Shimla, July 2 -- Persistent rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, disrupting essential public services and causing widespread damage to infrastructure across several districts. According to the latest report issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) on Thursday morning, the number of blocked roads, power outages, and weather-related casualties has increased significantly over the past 24 hours.

The SEOC report states that 46 roads are currently blocked across the state, up from 35 roads reported on Wednesday evening. Kullu district remains the worst affected with 18 road closures, followed by Mandi district, where 13 roads remain blocked due to landslides and rain-related damage.

The power distribution network has also...