Rain havoc in Himachal, Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 14: Heavy monsoon rains have battered north India, with Himachal Pradesh and Delhi among affected states other than J&K. In Himachal, intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods since Wednesday night have crippled connectivity and disrupted essential services.

Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti districts reported widespread destruction, though no loss of life has been confirmed. Kandaghat recorded 100 mm of rain, Una 85.4 mm, Solan 81.4 mm, and Shimla 69 mm.

The State Emergency Operation Centre said 396 roads, including National Highway 305, remain closed, Mandi district accounts for 173 blockages and Kullu 71. Over 1,500 power transformers and 178 water supply schemes are non-functional. In Shimla, flash floods swept away vehicles, uprooted trees, and left several panchayats isolated.