Tragedy Strikes Himachal Pradesh as Rain Unleashes Devastation: Multiple Deaths Reported
In a heart-wrenching incident, a Shiv Mandir located in Shimla collapsed, claiming the lives of nine individuals following a cloudburst that wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh. The state’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, confirmed the distressing news, revealing that the bodies of the victims had already been recovered. The incident occurred amidst heavy rainfall that triggered landslides and floods in various parts of the state.
The calamity unfolded in the Fagli area, where several houses found themselves buried under a deluge of mud and slush brought down by a powerful landslide. The local administration, in collaboration with rescue teams, has been tirelessly working to clear the debris in hopes of locating any survivors who might still be trapped beneath.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences and sorrow from all quarters, with Chief Minister Sukhu expressing his grief through a tweet: “Distressing news has emerged from Shimla, Due to the relentless downpour, the Shiv Mandir located at Summer Hill has tragically crumbled, leading to its collapse. Presently, the toll stands at nine casualties whose remains have been recovered from the debris. In a dedicated effort, the local authorities are laboring assiduously to remove the wreckage, with the paramount aim of extricating any individuals who might remain ensnared in the ruins. Om Shanti.”
Another unfortunate incident unfolded in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, where a cloudburst led to the loss of seven lives within a single family. The sudden cloudburst resulted in the washing away of two houses, with six fortunate survivors and seven unfortunate fatalities in the Jadon village. The victims were identified as Harnam (38), Kamal Kishore (35), Hemlata (34), Rahul (14), Neha (12), Golu (8), and Raksha (12), according to Superintendent of Police, Solan, Gaurav Singh.
In a desperate bid to respond to these crises, rescue operations have been launched. The Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, Aditya Negi, disclosed that there were fears of 15 to 20 people being buried in two separate landslides, spurring a full-scale rescue effort. Chief Minister Sukhu has urged residents to steer clear of areas susceptible to landslides and to avoid venturing near water bodies, emphasizing the importance of safety in such dire circumstances.
Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with an unrelenting 48-hour period of continuous rainfall, which has led to a series of cloudbursts and landslides across the region, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and property. This has prompted the state emergency operation centre to report the closure of 752 roads due to the ongoing calamity. In response, authorities have decided to shut down all schools and colleges in the state on Monday, prioritizing the safety of the citizens.
The situation on the ground remains grim, with a massive landslide triggered by heavy rains causing havoc near the Summerhill locality of Shimla. As of now, at least nine people have lost their lives, and an additional 20 are believed to be trapped under the debris. The rainfall’s intensity has unleashed widespread destruction throughout the state, with an entire family perishing in Solan and numerous individuals missing in the Mandi district.
The impact of the landslides and flash floods has been severe, resulting in blocked roads and disrupted connectivity. The state’s disaster management authority has reported an astonishing 800 blocked roads across Himachal Pradesh, with the majority—345 roads—in Mandi alone. Key highways, including Kalka-Shimla, Kiratpur-Manali, and Pathankot-Mandi, Dharamshala-Shimla, have all been rendered impassable due to the wreckage. In response to this crisis, state authorities have strongly advised citizens to refrain from unnecessary travel due to the ongoing heavy rains and the looming threat of flash floods.
As Himachal Pradesh battles the aftermath of these devastating natural disasters, the priority remains the safety and well-being of its residents. The state’s resilience and the unity of its people in these trying times are a testament to the human spirit’s strength in the face of adversity.