Shimla: The supply of essential commodities to Shimla and upper areas was hit as the Shimla-Kalka National Highway was blocked near Jabli following a landslide triggered by rains. A large number of vehicles including apple-laden trucks and vehicles carrying daily commodities like milk, bread and newspapers were stranded.

Shimla: The supply of essential commodities to Shimla and upper areas was hit as the Shimla-Kalka National Highway was blocked near Jabli following a landslide triggered by rains. A large number of vehicles including apple-laden trucks and vehicles carrying daily commodities like milk, bread and newspapers were stranded.

“We remained stranded for about five hours from 2.30 am to 7 am and reached Shimla six hours late around 10.30 am,” said Anup, a newspaper vendor, adding that the road was partially opened for vehicular traffic after the JCBs cleared the road.

“Daily essential items were dropped late today due to the blockade. We got the commodities after 10 am,” said a shopkeeper in Bemloe. Meanwhile, the state has suffered a loss of over Rs 333 crore due to heavy rains. Maximum damage has been caused to the Public Works Department which suffered a loss to the tune of Rs 253.8 crore followed by Irrigation and Public Health (Rs 79.47 crore), Electricity (Rs 2.8 crore) and Horticulture (Rs 49.03 lakh).