himachal-reports-56-rain-related-deaths

Himachal Pradesh recorded fifty-six casualties in rain-related incidents with the state suffering losses of Rs 410 crore since the onset of monsoon on June 27, the emergency operation center said.

 

According to the data from the state center, 21 died after falling from heights, 18 due to accidental drowning, eight each due to snake bites and electrocution, and one died in a flash flood.

 

No deaths were reported due to landslides or cloudbursts, it said.

 

About 100 houses were damaged, with the Public Works Department suffering the maximum loss of Rs 172 crore, followed by the Horticulture Department with Rs Rs 139 crore, the center added.

 

The Shimla meteorological office issued a ‘yellow’ alert, warning for heavy rainfall at isolated places in eight districts of the state till July 31 and predicted a wet spell till August 2.

 

The MeT cautioned about damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and ‘kutcha’ houses due to strong winds, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

 

Intermittent rains continued to lash parts of the state including Dhaulakuan in the Sirmaur district receiving 123 mm of rain followed by 74.5 mm in Nahan, 40.2 mm in Kataula, 32 mm in Palampur, 31.2 mm in Poanta Sahib, 27.6 mm in Dharamshala, 26.8 mm in Sundernagar and 25 mm in Baijnath.

 

The state has recorded a 40 percent rain deficit from June 1 to July 27, with 194 mm of rainfall against the average of 321.2 mm.