Himachal sees heavy rains, educational institutions in Kangra shut today

Shimla, Aug 17:

Hills of Himachal Pradesh continued to experience moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday, causing landslides in some areas and blocking the highways, while all the major rivers and their tributaries were in spate, officials said.

While the Kangra town recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 118 mm, it was 115 mm in Dharamsala, 84 mm in Dalhousie and 64 mm in Palampur.

State capital Shimla received 40 mm rain.

An official of the local Met office said there are chances of heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places in the state till Sunday.

Incessant rains have also caused massive landslides on national highways in Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi and Kullu districts, hampering vehicular traffic.

The water level in the major rivers of the state -- the Satluj, Beas and Yamuna --which enter the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana has also increased, a government official said.

All educational institutions in Kangra district have been asked to remain closed on Saturday due to incessant rainfall, an official said.

Kangra deputy commissioner cum district magistrate Rakesh Kumar Prajapati issued the direction on Saturday morning following heavy rain in most parts of the district since Friday evening.

"Keeping in view the ongoing heavy rains and extreme climatic conditions across the district, I hereby declare holiday for schools and educational institutions for today (Saturday)," Prajapati said.

On Friday, the meteorological department had issued an 'orange warning' for heavy rain across the state and a 'red warning' for extremely heavy rain in several districts including Kangra on Saturday and Sunday.

Agencies

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