The India Meteorological Department has issued orange alert for rain in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Western Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and Konkan. We spoke to Senior Scientist, IMD, R K Jenamani.<br />''<br />''Akashvani Shimla correspondent reports, heavy rainfall lashed many parts of Himachal Pradesh during the last 24 hours, affecting life badly. Many animals and vehicles were washed away and other property was damaged due to flooding, and 83 roads and two national highways are blocked due to landslides in various parts of the state. Mandi-Kullu via Kataula road has been restored for traffic in district Mandi after 22 hours, while the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is still blocked. On the other hand, around 100 students and other people from Chamba who were stranded at famous tourist spot Parashar in Mandi District have been safely evacuated. The district Deputy Commissioner Arindam Chowdhary said that the water level of the rivers and drains has increased. The administration appealed to the people not to go near the banks of the rivers and drains. <br />