New Delhi, July 20 -- North India's hilly states are unlikely to get any respite from the relentless downpour, with Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand set to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till Thursday, according to the latest forecast from the apex weather office. Heavy rainfall could lead to low to moderate flash floods in eight districts of Himachal and 11 districts of Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Since the onset of southwest monsoon on 20 June, incessant rain-related incidents have claimed 119 lives in Himachal Pradesh. The hill state has reported incidents of 34 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts and 21 landslides. These incidents have led to widespread damage to private property and public infrastruct...