Heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for state capital Shimla for two days. Incessant rainfall this week has led to landslides and flash floods in several districts.
According to the state emergency operation centre, nine people have killed due to rain-related incidents, including landslides, and drowning, while 14 have sustained injuries.
Sandeep Kumar Sharma, IMD scientist, said that more than average rainfall is likely in the state in June this year, ANI reported.
Different areas of Kangra, Chamba, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Solan districts received moderate rainfall with thunderstorms.
The rain has also affected commuters and tourists who have thronged the hill state to enjoy the scenic locales.
On Monday, the Chandigarh-Manali national highway was restored for traffic after remaining closed for almost 24 hours owing to landslides and flash floods. Similarly, the 70-km Mandi-Pandoh-Kullu stretch of the highway was blocked at Khotinallah near Aut, about 40 km from Mandi town, following flash floods.
Principal Secretary (Revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma has advised tourists to avoid venturing into rivers and drains and download the IMD app on their mobiles to get area-specific information and follow the guidelines.
The Himachal Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (HPTDC) has issued an advisory for tourists urging them to prioritise their safety amid heavy rains. In a statement, the department also empahsised on following guided trek routes rather than venturing into unguided routes.
RS Bali, chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, has advised tourists to ensure that the GPS function on their mobile phones was enabled at all times to allow their location to be tracked.
Meanwhile, Himachal Congress president Pratibha Singh has asked the Centre to give a special package to speed up relief and rescue operations in rain and flood affected areas.