Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, September 20
Himachal Pradesh has recorded its second-highest rainfall since 1995, according to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla. The state has so far received 1,021 millimetres of rainfall, compared with 1,029 millimetres in 1995, making this year the wettest monsoon in three decades. Sharing details, Meteorological Centre scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said that the state has received 46% more rain than normal so far this season. Shimla has seen 107% above-normal rainfall, Kullu 106%, while all districts except Lahaul-Spiti have recorded excess showers.He said light to moderate showers could occur in parts of mid-Himachal between 20 and 25 September, but a gradual decrease in rainfall is expected from 20 September onwards. Heavy rain has disrupted life in many districts. As of Friday evening, 394 roads, including two national highways, remained blocked. Power supply was affected with 73 transformers down, while 174 drinking water schemes were also shut, leaving residents facing shortages.
The State Disaster Management Authority said rains since 20 June have caused losses exceeding ₹4,754 crore. At least 427 people have died, 481 injured and 46 remain missing. The state has also reported the death of 29,433 livestock.
