Higher reaches in HP experience snowfall

Chandigarh, Sep 6 (UNI) Higher attitudes in Himachal Pradesh experienced snowfall while moderate rain pounded several areas in northwest India as monsoon remained vigorous in the hilly state and active in Punjab since last night.

The snow and rain brought sharp fall in the temperatures in the region, providing respite to people from hot weather conditions.

Rain lashed several areas in Punjab overnight with Nangal Dam site receiving 36.4 mm rainfall. Ludhiana recorded 20.2 mm, Amritsar 11.4 mm and Patiala 7.3 mm rainfall till this morning.

Some areas in Haryana also experienced moderate rain with Nilokheri recording 14.4 mm downpour till this morning, followed by Rohtak registering 8.3 mm and Ambala 5.3 mm. Hissar and Bhivani reported trace rainfall.

High altitude areas in tribal districts of Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur and Bharmaur and Pangi areas in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh had another snowfall since last night while moderate to heavy rain lashed many areas, including mid and lower hills, triggering fresh landslides in the state.

Some areas in Kangra, Mandi, Una and Solan districts reported heavy rainfall. All rivers, including the Beas, Sutlej and the Ravi and their tributaries flowing through the state were in spate.

Heavy rain pounded Shimla and its adjoining areas with the capital town recording 29.6 mm downpour overnight. Upper areas of Shimla district, including tourist places of Wildflower Hall, Kufri, Naldehra and Narkanda, also had rainfall forcing tourists to stay indoors.

Berthin recorded 53.0 mm, Kasol 41.5 mm, Una 41.2 mm, Sundernagar 35.6 mm, Solan 35.2 mm, Dharamsala 32.8 mm, Rampur 31.0 mm, Naudan 22.4 mm, Nahan 21.7 mm and Gamroor 20.4 mm. Sujanpur Tira, Guler, Pandoh, Suni, Kahu and Nagrota Surian areas also experienced rainfall.

Intermittent rain lashed Chandigarh and its adjoining areas overnight, dipping the temperature. The city received 25.0 mm rain overnight.

The Met Office predicted moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers at most places in Himachal Pradesh and many places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 24 hours. It warned of heavy rain at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and northeast Haryana during the next 48 hours.

UNI VKJ GL AS1848