Himachal Pradesh Rain Havoc: The relentless rainfall has led to over 60 casualties as landslides, cloudbursts, and road closures wreaked havoc across different districts of Himachal Pradesh. Efforts to rescue individuals stuck beneath debris are ongoing in specific locations. To enhance disaster management, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened a session with the high-powered committee on Tuesday. Today, all educational institutions in the mountainous region remain closed.
Recent updates for Himachal Pradesh:
In Shimla’s Summer Hill region on Wednesday, an official reported a significant landslide with no immediate accounts of casualties or injuries.
On Tuesday, a landslide caused the collapse of approximately seven houses in Shimla’s Krishna Nagar area. Rescue operations led by NDRF, SDRF, and state police were initiated due to concerns of residents being trapped in the debris.
CM Sukhu affirmed his government’s strong commitment to prioritize restoration efforts, noting the successful reopening of about 400 out of 1,220 blocked roads.
On Monday, two fatal landslides occurred—one at a Shiva temple in Summer Hill and the other at Fagli in Shimla—resulting in a loss of 17 lives.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming four hours.
Himachal Pradesh University announced the suspension of teaching activities until August 19, along with the closure of the University Library until August 20.
The Indian Air Force stated that a Chinook helicopter from the Western Air Command rescued 18 Indian Army personnel and a 3-Ton Mini Dozer in a single mission to aid landslide-affected areas near Shimla.
In response to the urban expansion of Shimla, excessive rainfall has caused over 500 trees to fall, posing potential challenges to local residents. The Forest Department was directed to promptly and properly clear the fallen trees, ensuring efficient execution through adequate manpower.
Since the commencement of the monsoon season on June 24, the hilly state has incurred losses amounting to ₹7,171 crore until August 14, as reported by the state emergency operation center.
This monsoon season, the state has documented a total of 170 incidents involving cloudbursts and landslides, causing partial or complete damage to around 9,600 houses. Following a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, a number of houses in the Krishna Nagar vicinity reportedly collapsed, as verified by the local administration and police. Ongoing rescue efforts are being conducted to extricate individuals trapped beneath the rubble.Rescue efforts are being undertaken by the Shimla Police and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
