3 killed in rain-related incidents as heavy showers lash HP

Three persons were killed in rain- related incidents in Himachal Pradesh as incessant heavy showers wreaked havoc causing landslides at several places, blocking highways and damaging several houses.
A truck driver, who was sleeping in his truck along with two other persons near Rampur in the district, died when his truck got buried under debris following a massive landslide.
The body of the driver, Monu, was recovered from the debris while the other two managed to escape, official sources said.
Sunia Devi of Mehaskwal village was washed away by landslides when she was cleaning her house. Her body was found 150 m downstream from her house, police said.

Hamirpur district administration gave cash relief of Rs 25,000 to the family members of the deceased.
Ashok Kumar died in Chopal area when a huge tree fell on his house while he was asleep, police said.

Deputy Commissioner Ashish Singhmar said the rains had caused extensive damage and so far, reports of damage to 57 kutcha houses had been received.
A two storey building collapsed in Baijnath, while gushing rain water entered several shops in Paprola market after Luni river changed its course. Over two dozen houses were damaged in Manglesh Basti due to heavy rains.
The residents claimed that the river had changed course as heaps of debris, extracted for construction of road, was blocking the run of the river. They claimed that a lot of mud and rain water had entered their houses and shops.

Sub Divisional Magistrate O P Rathore said the losses are being assessed and affected people have been given interim relief.
The heavy rains triggered landslides at numerous places in Sirmaur district and Ambala-kala Amb-Paonta national highway remained closed for nearly ten hours. Vehicular traffic was disrupted on Shimla-Nahan highway which remained closed for three hours due to landslide at Dosarka.