Situation Remains Grim as Experts Warn of Potential for More Landslides in Shimla

SHIMLA: The Serene Landscapes of Himachal Pradesh have been marred by a relentless onslaught of rain, leading to landslides and floods that have claimed the lives of 60 individuals and left countless others missing or buried beneath debris. The catastrophe has unfolded across multiple districts of the state, leaving authorities grappling with the aftermath of cloudbursts and torrential downpours.

The toll of the disaster has been particularly severe in the Mandi and Shimla districts, where 23 and 19 lives have been lost respectively. In a heart-wrenching incident, rescue teams unearthed three more bodies from the debris in Shimla's Summer Hill region, a site of immense natural beauty now scarred by a landslide that also obliterated a temple. So far, 12 casualties have been recovered from this site alone.

However, the situation remains grim as experts warn of the potential for more landslides in Shimla and surrounding areas. Just recently, a landslide wreaked havoc in Krishna Nagar, causing the collapse of the municipal slaughterhouse and several adjoining residences. Trapped under layers of debris, two lives were tragically lost, casting a somber shadow over the affected region.

The magnitude of destruction has been staggering, with nearly 9,600 houses suffering damage due to 170 reported incidents of cloudbursts and landslides this monsoon season. Among the hardest-hit districts are Solan, Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Kangra. In a desperate situation, over 500 individuals found themselves stranded in Kangra's Mand region due to flooding induced by the release of water from the Pong Dam. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of five houses collapsing in Baldwara, Mandi district, further underscoring the extensive devastation.

Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, revealed that the region experienced a staggering 157% surge in rainfall over the past three days. In response, concerted efforts have led to the restoration of 400 out of the 1,220 blocked roads, although the challenges remain monumental. Chief Minister Sukhu somberly acknowledged that approximately 60 lives have been lost within a span of 48 hours. He also announced an allocation of Rs 800 crore to address the immediate needs arising from this calamity.