Heavy rains to continue in Himachal, over 500 stuck

While heavy rains have already claimed 22 lives in Himachal Pradesh over the past two days, the meteorological department on Monday predicted that the downpour is likely to continue in parts of the hill state for another 24 hours.

Light-to-moderate rainfall will occur at many places with heavy rains expected at isolated places in the state, Shimla Met centre Director Manmohan Singh said.

Over 500 people are stranded in several parts of the state as a number of roads have been blocked by landslides and flash floods, officials said.

Efforts are on to clear the roads and restore traffic to move them to safer places.

The National Disaster Response Force is diverting the water accumulated in Kangra district's Nurpur sub-division by digging an alternative route, an official said.

Multiple landslides blocked the flow of water in streams and formed a big artificial lake in Khadetar village in the sub-division.

Residents of Trindi, Danni, Mairka, Lador, Thana, Hindorghaat, Letri and Jassur villages have been asked to vacate their houses and move to safer places, the official added.

The incessant rainfall for the past two days has damaged the water pipes and hit supplies in Kangra district, another official said on Monday.

He said the water supply lines were being restored but it may take two-three days.

In Kullu district, the Averi-Bajirbody road and the Bajaura-Kataula road near Ropa area were blocked by landslides.

Several roads remained blocked in Chamba district too.

The Chamba-Pathankot road has been blocked at Parihar, the Chamba-Chowari road via Jot has been blocked at Bhatalwan Ghar and Mathunu.

The Lahru-Sihunta road is blocked at Lahri Bhatti near Lahru; the Lahru-Tunnuhatti road is blocked at Barian Gala.

The Kihar-Chamba road is blocked at Gharatnala and Rohala Nullah near Sundla; the Tissa-Chamba road is blocked at Pangola Nullah; and the Chamba-Pangi road is blocked at Saach Pass.

At least 22 people were killed and 12 injured in rain-related incidents in the state on Sunday, officials said, adding the total loss amounted to Rs 490 crore.