Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), Sep. 10 : A heavy and continuous downpour has damaged roads in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh state and left its residents stranded. Normal life too has been severely disrupted by the inclement weather.

Due to roads being damaged, traffic movement was stalled and commuters faced great difficulty in traveling in the area and to other towns and cities. Some of the roads have caved in and the debris has fallen into the valley below.

The Deputy Commissioner of Kangra District, R. S. Gupta, said private and public property worth Rs. 87 crores has so far been damaged by the rains.

The district administration has provided a relief package to the people affected by the rains and the government would also release funds for the reconstruction of the damaged roads and buildings, Gupta added.

"We have provided relief to the people as per the provisions of the relief manual. The process is still continuing because the water has come down in the Pong area recently. So, we are also assessing the crop loss. As far as individual relief is concerned, we don''t have any fund-related problems. We are requesting the government to provide us funds for restoration of roads, bridges and drinking water schemes etc," added Gupta.

Residents, however, have complained that it was both dangerous and difficult for them to drive on the damaged roads.

During the monsoon season, torrential rains affect millions of people in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. Crops and homes too are destroyed, as also the threat of water-borne diseases spreading in these areas. (ANI)