Kullu, Aug. 18 -- The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is blocked due to multiple landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in the region.

Himachal Pradesh is experiencing heavy rainfall, flash floods and cloudbursts in the region, leading to widespread damage of public utilities and claiming hundreds of lives this monsoon season.

Earlier, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) reported that as of August 17 evening, 352 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked, while 1,067 power distribution transformers (DTRs) and 116 water supply schemes are disrupted across the state.

The authority said the ongoing monsoon havoc has claimed 263 lives since June 20, of which 136 people have d...