Rains Wreak Havoc in North India; IMD Predicts More Heavy Rainfall in Several Districts of Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, September 24: Heavy rains have continued to lash entire Northern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to heavy rainfall in various districts of Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, higher altitudes areas are likely to witness snowfall. 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. The water level has risen in the rivers of the state.

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

A red alert has been issued in Punjab by the state government in the wake of heavy rainfall. The state government has also issued to all district authorities to remain vigilant. It has been raining heavily in Punjab for the past two to three days. Meanwhile, the army has also been told to be on standby. Equipment to drain out flood waters are being arranged. In Haryana, Karnal received 142 mm rain which is recorded the heaviest in the past 10 years, reported Skymet Weather.

In Uttarakhand also, there is continuous snowfall from last two days. The high peaks of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib have received heavy snowfall. The IMD has predicted heavy rain and snowfall in the next 24 hours in the state. Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar are on a high alert.

Jammu and Kashmir is also reeling under heavy rains and snowfall. According to reports, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district was closed on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rains. High-altitude regions are witnessing the snowfall.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2018 05:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).