National

Himachal Pradesh: Rain-Triggered Landslides Block Over 300 Roads; Cracks Develop In Rampur's Houses

Over 100 houses in Himachal Pradesh's Rampur have developed cracks following incessant rains for the past few days. More than 300 roads have been closed and the Shimla-Kalka National Highway connecting Shimla and Chandigarh will remain closed for the next two days as state authorities work towards opening all the blocked roads. 

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Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh
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More than 300 roads have been closed in Himachal Pradesh after heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods amid the ongoing monsoon season in the country. The Shimla-Kalka National Highway connecting Shimla and Chandigarh will remain closed for the next two days as state authorities work towards opening all the blocked roads. 

Light to moderate rains lashed parts of the state and Sundernagar received 56 mm of rain, Mandi 54 mm, Nahan 50 mm and Solan 21 mm. The state weather department issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy downpours at isolated places from August 4 to 7 and predicted a wet spell in the state till August 9. 

According to the state emergency operation centre, 197 persons have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents since the onset of the monsoon on June 24 till Wednesday.

Rains in Himachal Pradesh

On Wednesday morning, a landslide blocked the national highway at Chakki Mor near Koti on the Dharampur-Parwanoo stretch, leaving many vehicles stranded. Public Works Department minister Vikramaditya Singh said the highway will be closed for the next two days. “Inclement weather conditions and rains are hampering the road opening operations and the national highway would be opened for single-lane in next two days, depending on weather conditions”, Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh told PTI on Thursday.

Over 100 houses in Himachal Pradesh's Rampur have developed cracks following incessant rains for the past few days. "Because of excessive rain, there have been a lot of damages in the Rampur subdivision, more than 100 houses have developed cracks...relief work is being done," said Jai Chand, tehsildar of Rampur.