Shillong, August 24: A devastating situation unfolded in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district as heavy rainfall triggered a landslide, causing the collapse of seven buildings.
Disturbing footage captured the moment seven structures near a bus stand crumbled, with an adjacent building still at risk. Three days prior to the incident, these structures had been evacuated due to the appearance of cracks, according to Ani Naresh Verma, an official.
As per India Today, relentless rains and ensuing landslides have resulted in the loss of 13 lives across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red and orange alert for both states, indicating a severe weather situation.
In Himachal Pradesh, a devastating combination of cloudbursts and landslides led to the unfortunate demise of 12 individuals. Another life was claimed in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district on Wednesday. These calamities also blocked over 400 roads and inflicted damage to multiple homes.
The IMD has issued a red alert for six districts, including Shimla, forecasting “heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated spells of extremely heavy rains” for the next 24 hours. Additionally, a moderate-to-high flash flood warning has been extended to nine districts: Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Hamirpur, Solan, Bilaspur, and Kullu.
Furthermore, an orange warning has been issued, predicting heavy to very heavy rains for Thursday.
In response to the intense rainfall, educational institutions in Shimla, Mandi, and Solan districts have been closed for a two-day period starting Wednesday. Amidst the chaos, numerous vehicles were stranded in the Kullu district as torrential rains damaged the Kullu-Mandi road and the alternative route via Pandoh.
The deluge has taken a significant toll on infrastructure, with National Highway 21 (Mandi-Kullu road) and NH 154 (Mandi-Pathankot) among the affected routes. In total, 709 roads have been rendered impassable due to the heavy downpours, leading to widespread destruction and death. Homes have been cracked, necessitating evacuations as a precaution.
The consequences of the monsoon have been grim. This month alone, Himachal Pradesh has mourned the loss of 120 lives due to rain-related incidents. Since the monsoon began on June 24, a total of 238 individuals have lost their lives, with 40 individuals still missing in the state.
