New Delhi:
Floods and heavy rains wreaked havoc in several parts of India on Monday creating troubles for the commuters and those residing in hilly areas.
Tourism was struck as landslides were witnessed in several parts of North India.
Rains which were touted to occur below average broke all records by abashing the residents of Madhya Pradesh especially Ujjain where several temples were also submerged in the river water.
The rain water also entered several houses thus creating panic among people in MP.
Heavy downpur triggered landslides and affected nearly 65000 people in Assam. Gujarat's Amreli battled worst flood in 90 years as 70 deaths were reported in the state.
Rains also claimed at least six lives in most parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Three houses were badly damaged in Krishna Nagar area of state capital Shimla due to landslides triggered by rains in last three days.
Link roads in interiors of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Mandi districts were blocked due to landslides and work is going on a war-footing to restore damaged roads, power projects and other works.
Meanwhile, state irrigation and public health minister Vidya Stokes has directed the Shimla district administration and other departments concerned, including public works, irrigation, health and electricity board, to restore the damaged roads and projects on a war footing and ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the people.
She said as the apple marketing season has started, directions have been given to PWD to maintain and restore all major and link roads in Shimla district and the administration has also been asked to remain in state of preparedness to meet any eventuality in the wake of heavy rains or flash floods.
Bilaspur received 39 mm of rains, followed by Kasauli (21 mm), Mehre, Hamirpur (12 mm), Naina Devi, Nurpur (10 mm), Manali, Una, Jubbal (8 mm), Bijahi 7 mm, Jhandutta (6 mm), Chelsea (5 mm), Shimla, Solan (3 mm), Chail and Kasol (2mm).
There was no appreciable change in minimum and maximum temperatures and Kalpa and Keylong in tribal Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts were the coldest at 13.4 degrees Celsius, while key tourist resorts of Manali, Dalhousie, Shimla and Dharamshala recorded a low of 14.8 deg C, 15.3 deg C, 16.6 deg C and 16.8 deg C respectively.
Bhuntar was the hottest in day with a maximum temperature of 32.6 degree Celsius.
The local Met department has issued warning of heavy rains in low and mid hills and predicted rain and thundershower in low, mid and high hills till July 24.
Yesterday, six persons, including a child, were killed in rain-related incidents in the state.
