Himachal Battles Nature’s Fury: Landslides, Floods, and Lives Disrupted Amid Relentless Rain
Himachal Pradesh is once again grappling with the wrath of nature as torrential rains and landslides wreak havoc across the state. Swollen rivers, blocked roads, and widespread destruction have left communities stranded and anxious, with more heavy rainfall expected in the coming days.
The Meteorological Center in Shimla has issued a yellow alert for August 20, 22, and 23, and an orange alert for intense downpours from August 24 to 26. Last night’s showers were particularly severe, with Bharwain receiving 68 mm of rain, Dehra Gopipur 63.4 mm, Palampur 60.4 mm, and Solan 56 mm. Rain was also reported in several other towns, including Shimla, Kullu, and Bilaspur.
In Shimla, a massive landslide near Ram Chandra Chowk triggered panic, forcing the evacuation of around 40 residents. Among the affected were homes of government officials, including ministers and MLAs, as the road beneath their houses began to sink.
The monsoon’s toll has been heartbreaking. Since June 20, 276 lives have been lost, 336 people injured, and 37 remain missing. Road accidents alone have claimed 133 lives. Over 3,000 homes and shops have been damaged, and thousands of livestock shelters and domestic animals have been lost. The financial damage runs into crores.
Tragedy struck again in the last 24 hours—a sadhu drowned near Dharamshala, and another person was swept away while crossing the overflowing Gambhar Khad. In Una, the Swan river flooded fields and roads, leaving villagers in distress as crops were submerged and flood-like conditions emerged.
In Kullu, sudden surges in drain water caused significant damage, while in Solan, a blocked culvert on the Rajgarh road sent water and debris rushing toward homes, disrupting traffic and endangering lives.
As Himachal braces for more rain, the resilience of its people is being tested once again. Communities are holding on, hoping for relief and recovery amid the chaos.
