Shimla, Aug 4 (UNI) Heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, pushing the death toll to 184, with 36 individuals still missing, as reported by the State Emergency Operations Centre.
Of the total death toll, 103 deaths have been caused due to landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and another 81 in road accidents due to incessant rain in the region. As many as 36 people remain missing.
The Manali sub-division in Kullu district has declared a holiday for all government and private schools, and ITIs today. Roads have been blocked and the Beas river water level has risen alarmingly, prompting the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to take precautionary action.
In Shimla, a landslide at Panthaghati around 9 pm on Sunday sent debris crashing into nearby shops.
Meanwhile, in the Solan district, a trolley carrying apples got stuck on the Chhaila-Maipul-Rajgarh road, blocking the highway for over 12 hours, stranding dozens of vehicles.
At least 295 roads in the state remain closed following the incidents caused by the extreme weather over the past four days. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, Manali recorded 45 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, while Kasauli and Naina Devi received 82 mm and 62.6 mm respectively.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall that can result in flooding and waterlogging. A yellow alert is in place for Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur, with more rain expected across several districts today and tomorrow.
As per official data, 457 houses have been completely destroyed and 1,192 partially damaged in the state so far. Dam infrastructure remains under control, with pond levels across all major reservoirs within permissible limits despite increased inflows.
The total monetary loss from the monsoon destruction has now crossed Rs 1,714 crore, highlighting the scale of the crisis facing the state.
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