Shimla, Aug 22 (UNI) Moderate to heavy rain lashed Himachal Pradesh since last night, causing fresh landslides disrupting traffic on the Hindustan-Tibet Road in Shimla district.

As many as 14 HRTC buses were stranded on the Hindustan-Tibet road near Rampur-Bhushair following landslides in the wake of torrential rain today. A number of link roads were also blocked to vehicular traffic in Shimla district.

The state government has deployed men and machines in the apple belt of Shimla district to restore the traffic.

Water supply in various parts of Shimla town, including Chakker and Boileugunj areas continued to remain affected for the third day today.

Landslides also occured on the National Highway-21, near Swarghat in Bilaspur district which uprooted trees. However, vehicular traffic was plying normally on the highway.

Dharamshala recorded 54.8 mm rainfall, followed by state capital Shimla registering 40 mm, Bhuntar 27.5 mm, Nahan 20 mm, Sundernagar 25.4 mm, Solan 4.7 mm, Mandi 4.2 mm, Kalpa 4.4 mm and Una 3.8 mm.

The met office issued a warning that heavy rain may occur at few places while rain or thundershower is likely to occur at many places in Himachal Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

UNI ML VKJ VN1956