Shimla, July 19 (HS). The monsoon which was slow for the last few days in Himachal Pradesh has now started gaining momentum. Heavy rains occurred in most parts of the state last night. The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains for the next six days. Shimla-based Meteorological Center Director Surendra Paul said that there is a possibility of heavy rains in the state from 20 to 25 July. Yellow alert has been issued on 20 and 21 July, Orange alert on 22 and 23 July and Yellow alert again on 24 and 25 July.
He said that there is a possibility of heavy rainfall during the alert. There can be excessive rainfall in the orange alert. He has advised people to be cautious in view of the alert. People and tourists coming from outside states have been instructed not to go near rivers and streams.
He said that last night the highest rainfall of 63.9 mm was recorded in Nahan of Sirmaur district. Apart from this, 48 mm rainfall was recorded in Kandaghat of Solan, 39 mm in Dhaulkuan of Sirmaur, 27 mm in Pachhad and 26 mm in Shimla.
Meanwhile, four people were injured last night when a stone fell on a moving car on the Nahan-Dadahu-Sangdah road connecting Shri Renukaji shrine in Sirmaur district. This landslide incident took place near the Baroliya temple. All the injured are admitted in the hospital and their condition is out of danger. Shimla and surrounding areas are covered with clouds and mist on Friday. The sky is also covered with clouds in the plains.
69 houses damaged during monsoon season, loss of Rs 186 crore
According to the State Emergency Operations Center, 69 kutcha and pucca houses have been damaged in the state since the onset of monsoon on June 27. Out of these, 11 houses have collapsed completely while 58 houses have been partially damaged. Apart from this, four shops and 56 cattle sheds have also been destroyed. The loss to government departments due to monsoon rain in the state has been estimated to be Rs 186 crore. Out of these, the Public Works Department alone has suffered a loss of Rs 114 crore.