Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has reported at least 177 deaths and suffered cumulative losses of more than Rs 955 crore this monsoon even as the weather department issued a heavy rain warning for Sirmaur, Mandi, Kangra and Bilaspur districts on Aug 15.Lahaul-Spiti has recorded the highest number of deaths (14) due to landslides, flash floods, drowning, snake bites and electrocution, followed by Kangra (12) and Shimla (11). Sirmaur and Chamba districts have the highest number of rain-related road deaths at 16 each.According to the state emergency operation centre, 139 roads were blocked across the state on Friday afternoon due to monsoon-related incidents. Mandi leads the list at 52 blocked roads, followed by 33 in Kullu. Sirmaur, Una and Kangra reported six blocked roads each. At least 41 power distribution transformers and 241 water supply schemes were also disrupted.The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at most places across the hill state. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places on Aug 17-18, while heavy rain is expected at isolated places over the weekend.Sustained winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti until Aug 20. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph may occur at isolated places in low and mid-hill areas.Kangra recorded the highest rainfall on Friday at 22.7 mm, followed by Bilaspur at 18.2 mm and Solan at 8.3 mm. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 12.7°C, while Una was the warmest at 36.2°C.
