The heavy rain and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh have wreaked havoc on the infrastructure of the state, with several bridges and roads being washed away. Among them is the historical Panchvaktra bridge, which has a significant historical significance for the region. The 50-year-old bridge connecting Aut in Mandi district with Larji beside Sainj and Banjar was swept away by the rising water level of the river.
The destruction caused by the incessant downpour led to numerous landslides, flash floods, and damaged houses. At least 20 landslides, 17 flash floods, and over 30 houses have been reported to be affected so far. Furthermore, all major rivers in the state, including Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan, and Chenab, are overflowing, compounding the damage and disruption caused by the heavy rain.
In response to the worsening situation, the India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for several districts, including Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kullu. The department predicts moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in these areas, with the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Light to moderate showers may also occur in other districts.
The impact of the rain and floods has been severe, with the death toll rising to 54 since June 24. Six deaths were reported on Sunday alone. The situation has prompted the closure of schools and colleges for two days, and hundreds of roads, including the Chandigarh-Manali route, have been shut down. Many people are currently stranded in various parts of the state, including Chandratal in Lahaul and Spiti and near Sadhupul in Solan district.
Social media has been filled with videos and images of the devastation caused by the floods. Videos showing the Beas river sweeping away a portion of the national highway in Kullu and the Bakan bridge in Chamba’s Ravi river being knocked down by strong currents have gone viral. Reports have also emerged of muddy water entering houses in Una, shops submerged in Manali, and vehicles being carried away by floodwater in Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chamba districts.
In light of the situation, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has issued a plea to citizens to stay away from rivers and remain vigilant. The state government is working tirelessly to assess the damage and provide relief to those affected by the floods. However, with the inclement weather conditions persisting, the road to recovery may be long and challenging.
As the people of Himachal Pradesh grapple with the aftermath of the devastating floods, it is important for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of the affected population. Efforts must be made to repair and rebuild the damaged infrastructure to restore normalcy in the region. The historical significance of the bridges that have been lost adds an additional layer of loss for the people of Himachal. Moving forward, it is crucial to invest in resilient infrastructure that can withstand such extreme weather events to minimize the impact of future disasters.
