Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Himachal Pradesh, Kinnar Kailash Yatra Suspended

Relentless rains have battered Himachal Pradesh, leading to landslides and disruption of daily life, including the suspension of the Kinnar Kailash Yatra, a pilgrimage to the famed religious site considered as the winter abode of Lord Shiva. No casualties were reported, but the rains buried vehicles in Kullu district, officials confirmed.

The unyielding downpour forced the closure of 289 roads in the state, with Mandi district alone accounting for 193 of them. As authorities scrambled to manage the repercussions, the Kinnaur district administration suspended the religious trek on Wednesday, ensuring the timely evacuation of devotees from the hazardous route.

In a tragic turn, Kangra district witnessed the deaths of over 100 goats and sheep due to a lightning strike near Droneshwar Mahadev temple. The meteorological office issued a 'yellow' warning for more heavy rains across several districts, forecasting additional challenges for the region battered since the onset of monsoon on June 20th, impacting infrastructure and livelihoods significantly.

(With inputs from agencies.)