At least 26 people have been killed and many are feared missing in Himachal Pradesh, India, following heavy rainfall that triggered flash floods and landslides. The recent spate of rains has brought significant challenges as the state continues to grapple with the devastating effects on life and property. The Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Sukhu, visited the landslide-hit Summer Hill area in Shimla and directed officials to expedite rescue operations.
The flash floods and landslides have caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where 13 people lost their lives. The temple was crowded due to the holy month of Shravan. Rescue workers are tirelessly removing debris in search of survivors, but the fear is that the death toll may increase as many people are still trapped in various parts of the state.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safe evacuation of stranded individuals. The Chief Minister has been in constant communication with district officials, obtaining updates on relief and rescue efforts. He has urged people to stay away from rivers and drains in light of the increasing water levels. The rainfall has caused significant damage to infrastructure and severely affected the lives of many people in the region.
One of the affected areas is Kandaghat in Solan district, where a cloudburst resulted in a flash flood and mudslide, burying seven individuals alive. Four bodies have been recovered so far, while five people have been rescued. The search for missing persons is ongoing despite intermittent rain. Mandi district has also suffered the consequences of the rain disasters, with six people losing their lives. The death toll in Mandi may rise, and several houses and structures have been damaged.
The impact of the heavy rainfall is evident in the closure of the Chandigarh-Manali highway between Mandi and Kullu since Friday. Additional routes between the two locations have also been blocked due to landslides on Monday. The flow of the Beas River has increased significantly, affecting areas along the river in Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Nurpur towns.
The state government has assured affected families that they will receive all necessary assistance during this calamitous period. Efforts are being made to provide relief and support to those affected by the floods and landslides. As the rescue operations continue, it is crucial for authorities and residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The heavy rainfall and its devastating consequences demonstrate the vulnerability of regions prone to such natural disasters. The government must continue to invest in infrastructure and disaster management strategies to minimize the impact on human lives and property. As the situation unfolds in Himachal Pradesh, the focus remains on providing aid and support to the affected families and on working towards building a more resilient future.
