On Thursday, in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu, several houses and buildings collapsed after a massive landslide caused by the incessant rainfall in the area.
Anni, one of Kullu’s districts, has been the hardest hit. Reportedly, seven buildings near a bus stand collapsed.
This horrifying event was captured on camera, and the terrifying visuals have left them breathless. The video shows the buildings breaking into tiny pieces and smashing to the ground.
The incident was confirmed by Naresh Verma, Anni Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM). According to reports from various sources, there have been no casualties because the buildings were vacated three days ago due to severe cracks.
“Seven buildings, including three commercial and four residential structures, collapsed, but there were no casualties as the buildings had already been vacated,” confirmed SP Saakshi Verma Kartikeyan after the incident.
Situation After Kullu Landslide
Recent non-stop and dangerous rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has been causing severe havoc. Residents in various parts of the state are enduring relentless downpours as severe weather conditions persist.
Various landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts have disrupted the everyday life of the residents. Since June, many lives have been lost, and countless others have been injured in the state due to a series of devastating natural disasters.
The state’s disaster management authority has reported that 361 individuals have tragically perished, while 342 others have sustained injuries. These incidents, which include cloudbursts, landslides, floods, and other climate-related accidents, have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak in their wake. According to media reports, approximately 40 individuals remain missing.
Damages and Casualties Post Kullu Landslide
The ecologically sensitive hill state has become chaotic due to incessant rainfall. The region has been ravaged by landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
In a recent development, the state government has officially declared the entire state as a natural calamity-affected area. Taking swift action, authorities are now diligently working to assess the extent of the damage caused and provide much-needed relief to the affected individuals.
Due to the heavy rain spells, 709 roads have been forced to shut down. As a result, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the severely damaged Kullu-Mandi Highway following a relentless downpour in the district.
In a recent statement to news agency ANI, senior Kullu police officer Sakshi Verma announced the temporary suspension of traffic movement. “Hence, the traffic movement is suspended for now,” Verma said.
Kullu Landslide: Response and Relief
In a swift and decisive move, emergency response teams have been mobilized to address the dire situation caused by the devastating landslide.
The esteemed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are the dedicated forces leading this rescue operation.
Their primary objective is to save and safeguard the lives of individuals believed to be trapped amidst the wreckage.
IMD Issues Red Alert Seeing Kullu Landslide Severity
In a recent development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh.
The alert warns of heavy rainfall expected in the region over the next two days, starting today. Residents and authorities are urged to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure safety amid the anticipated downpour.
Kullu Landslide: Causes and Precautions
According to experts, the Himalayas face a significant challenge due to unscientific constructions, which are causing detrimental effects on the fragile ecosystem.
These construction activities are leading to the depletion of forest cover, while structures built near streams are obstructing the natural flow of water. As a result, Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a surge in the occurrence of landslides.
Geological expert Prof. Virender Singh Dhar attributes the rise in landslides to various factors, including extensive hill slope cutting for construction and road widening, blasting activities for tunnel construction, and the implementation of hydro projects.
Dhar notes that there has been a significant occurrence of vertical mountain cutting in Himachal for road construction, using retaining walls only 5-10 feet tall.
Experts have expressed concerns over the increasing vulnerability of slopes in Himachal Pradesh to landslides. Contributing factors include the cutting of rocks at the foothills and the absence of a proper drainage system. The situation is further exacerbated by the occurrence of high-intensity rainfall, worsening the state’s predicament.
