Himachal Pradesh, September 24: The northern region of India has been facing heavy rain and snowfall and the most-affected states are Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. All government and private schools and colleges in Sirmur, Shimla, Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, Sirmaur, Kangra, Hamirpur, Solan and Kinnaur districts have been directed to remain closed. Himachal Pradesh Hit by Heavy Rains, Schools to Remain Closed in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi & 4 Other Districts

On Sunday, the Kullu district experienced cloudburst and incessant rain, which was followed by water logging in many districts. In some areas, water levels hd risen to three feet.

The force of flash flood was so intense that a heavy truck and a tourist bus were washed away into a flooded river in Manali. Luckily, the bus was empty when it was washed away into the flooded Beas river. At least 19 people have been airlifted by the Army helicopter in the flood-hit Dobhi-Fojal area on Sunday. Himachal Pradesh Rains: Heavy Rainfall, Landslides and Flash Floods Claim 5 Lives

Several regions in flood-affected Himachal Pradesh is also dealing with landslides. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan said, “We are trying to evacuate and rehabilitate people. I request people not to go to high reach areas and near rivers.”

The water level of the Beas river has increased to a dangerous level. In Kangra, the Larji dam gates of Beas river are being opened.

While in Uttarakhand, there is continuous snowfall from last two days. The high peaks of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib have received heavy snowfall.

The Meteorological Department of India has warned six districts of Uttarakhand of heavy rain and snowfall in the next 24 hours. Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar are on a high alert. The Punjab government has also issued a red alert in wake of heavy rainfall.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2018 01:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).