Shimla, Aug. 22 -- Heavy monsoon rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, leaving 316 roads, including National Highway-305, blocked and disrupting 110 electricity transformers and 131 water supply schemes in various districts, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the state has recorded 295 deaths, of which 151 were due to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 144 were from road accidents.

In its 6 pm public utility status report on Friday, the SDMA said Kullu district reported the highest number of road blockages with 105 roads shut, followed by Mandi with 157, Kangra with 23, and Chamba with 4. The NH-305 remained closed ...