Himachal rain: 144 roads closed, orange alert for 5 districts

Torrential rain has disrupted life in Himachal Pradesh, with at least 144 roads closed and an orange alert for heavy rainfall in five districts. Hindustan Times reports 144 roads blocked and 250 water supply schemes hit, while National Herald India says 118 roads were closed and 216 schemes disrupted. Since June 30, rain-related incidents have killed 79 people and caused losses of Rs 972 crore, National Herald adds.

A landslide blocked the Bilaspur-Shimla highway near the Bilaspur-Solan border on Thursday night, narrowly missing a state bus. The IMD predicts rain till August 18, with heavy rain in Chamba, Kangra and Mandi from August 16. An orange alert is in place for Kangra and Sirmaur on August 18.

Mandi has the most road closures with 48, followed by Kullu with 32, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. Officials advise caution near water bodies as levels may rise suddenly.