Rains batter Himachal; wet week predicted for Mumbai

Incessant rains in north India has claimed 11 lives in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu-Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh has been the worst affected, with the rains triggering landslides in the state. And due to this, 378 roads in the states were closed on September 24. Hundreds have been evacuated due to the flash floods, many houses and vehicles were washed away. Schools were closed in Kinnaur, Kullu and Kangra districts.

Though situation in Mandi district has improved, several rivers are flowing close to the danger mark and the Chamba administration has urged people to stay away from Ravi river and other water bodies as water is likely to be released from Chamera dam.

Heavy rain severely affected life in 10 of 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh. Forty-five people, including 35 students from Roorkee's Indian Institute of Technology, who had gone trekking in Lahaul and Spiti district were missing after heavy snowfall in the region. As per latest reports, they have been located Khoksar military camps near Rohtang pass.

At Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti, 12 tourists from Sikkim were evacuated. While 600 students and teachers were evacuated from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and 100 students from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Mehla. 

The government  led by CM Jai Ram Thakur calculated the damage to the roads to be around Rs 78,914 lakh. A meeting was called by the CM to review losses, rehabilitation and rescue operations.

As per weather forecast reports, Mumbai is also likely to see heavy rains for the next 2-3 days. Delhi has received rain for the past three days, including a strong spell of rainfall throughout September 24. Rains add to farmer's woes in Punjab as paddy and cotton crops have been destroyed due to heavy rains. 9,000 Cusecs of water is likely to be released from Beas dam today.