Himachal Schools to Remain Closed, 71 Killed In Landslides Due to Rainfall

Himachal Schools will remain closed today due to heavy rainfall. Moreover, landslides in Himachal Pradesh have killed 71 people in the last three days.  The state is facing a monetary loss of Rs 75,000 crore due to this year’s monsoon.

Himachal Schools to Remain Closed Today

The Himachal government has requested the Centre to declare a national calamity in Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, all educational institutions will remain closed today, August 17, as roads are heavily blocked as a result of frequent landslides.

Uttarakhand Landslide killed 10

Massive rainfall in Uttarakhand has killed 10 people so far. Moreover, the famous iron suspension bridge over the Ganga River, Lakshman Jhula was hit by a landslide on August 14, burying 6 people in the debris at the Night Paradise Camp resort in the Lakshman Jhula area.

Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh: More Than Season’s Average

Himachal Pradesh has already received more rainfall than the season's average until August. In the 54 days of monsoon this year, the state has received 742mm of rainfall against the season's average rainfall, which used to be around 730mm.

The rainfall recorded in the state this July broke all records for the month in the last 50 years leading to the most devastating natural calamity that the state has faced in the last few years.

Punjab's Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, and Gurdaspur Worst-Hit by Flooding

Several cities in Punjab went underwater due to the release of excess water from the Pong and the Bhakra dams. 

The Gurdaspur district administration announced holidays in government and private schools in flood-hit villages till further orders. The authorities in Rupnagar declared holidays in schools and Anganwadi centers in the affected areas on August 17-18.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took to Twitter to notify the evacuation of more than 1100 people in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh.