Himachal Landslides & Cloudbursts Kill 13, More Rain Expected

Himachal Pradesh Devastated by Landslides and Cloudbursts: 13 Dead and Counting

Himachal Pradesh is reeling from severe weather conditions that have resulted in landslides and cloudbursts, leading to 13 fatalities. The recent disaster, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, has caused widespread damage across the state.

Heavy Rain and Its Impact

Over the past week, heavy rain has triggered a series of devastating events, including cloudbursts and flash floods, leading to the closure of 87 roads in Himachal Pradesh. Rescue operations are underway, involving teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Himachal Pradesh Police. These teams are utilizing JCB machines, sniffer dogs, drones, and other equipment to aid in the rescue efforts.

Casualties and Missing Persons

The death toll has risen to 13, with the recovery of four additional bodies from Mandi and Shimla districts. Officials report that over 40 individuals remain missing after a series of cloudbursts in Kullu’s Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana, Mandi’s Padhar, and Shimla’s Rampur subdivision on the night of July 31. Search operations continue as rescuers intensify their efforts.

Damage Assessment

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has experienced significant damage, with an estimated loss of Rs 662 crore. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has highlighted the extensive damage to infrastructure and other assets. The ongoing disaster has also resulted in disrupted electricity in three villages—Samej, Dhara Sarda, and Kushwa—located on the border of Shimla and Kullu.

Government Relief Measures

In response to the crisis, the state government has announced immediate relief measures. Victims will receive Rs 50,000 each, with additional support of Rs 5,000 per month for rent for the next three months. Essential items such as gas and food will also be provided. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited Samej village to assess the situation and meet with affected individuals.

Weather Alerts and Future Outlook

The local meteorological office has issued a yellow alert for heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh until August 8. There is also a warning of possible landslides and flash floods in vulnerable regions. The alert includes concerns about damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and ‘kutcha’ houses due to strong winds, as well as waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Regional Rainfall Statistics

Recent rainfall has varied across the state, with Hamirpur receiving the highest at 54 mm. Other areas include Berthin and Dharamshala with 19 mm each, Neri with 11 mm, Kangra with 9.7 mm, Kukumseri with 9.6 mm, Sundernagar with 8.1 mm, Manali and Chamba with 6 mm each, and Bajaura with 5 mm. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest night temperature at 12.1°C, while Una experienced the highest daytime temperature at 36.8°C.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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