Shimla, July 9
Heavy Monsoon downpours have shaken and battered Himachal Pradesh, leaving 6 people dead,3 missing with millions of rupees damage caused to roads, hundreds of drinking water and power supply schemes across the state, informed a spokesman of Himachal Pradesh government.
Massive Monsoon rains have devastated the state closing five National Highways, hundreds of water supply schemes and disrupting power supply in many parts of the state with some towns, villages and cities experiencing black outs.
Four persons died in a two landslides in Shimla district and one each in Kullu and Chamba districts.
Over dozens of people including tourists who got marooned in the full spate raging rivers, were rescued by the brave heroes of NDRF teams risking their lives.
Over 20 vehicles were swept away in the flooding waters and many houses were too damaged in landslides and flash floods.
In a small village town of Thunag in Mandi district, flash flood triggered stormed water gushed into the alley with wood logs and uprooted trees, creating a horrible situation with people fearing for their lives.
Shimla-Kalka train services were suspended following many landslides and tree falling on the railway tracks between Shimla and Parwanoo, informed a Indian Railways source.
Following massive damages done by monsoon rains across state and red alert warnings to continue as per IMD forecast, the Himachal Pradesh government announced the closing of colleges and schools both private and government in the state for next two days on July 10 and 11.
Losar village in Lahaul-Spiti district saw 6 inches of unseasonal snowfall, cladding entire surrounding white, creating a magical snowy landscape.
During the last 48 hours Himachal recorded 1O3.49 mm of rains, a record high with 1193 percent rise against normal rains measuring 8mm.
Himachal Pradesh government have requested the Centre government to provide liberal financial help to pay for damages caused by the unprecedented rains Iin the state.
The state government have also cast a three members body headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to evaluate the Monsoon devastations in the state.
