Shimla, July 29 (Udaipur Kiran): The monsoon has wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh. Heavy rains in most parts of the state over the past two days have led to landslides and floods. A vehicle carrying newspapers was caught in a landslide at Datiyar in Parwanoo district on the Shimla-Kalka four-lane. One person died in the early morning incident on Monday, and the driver and two others were injured. The injured are undergoing treatment at the ESI Hospital, Parwanoo. One lane of the four-lane was completely blocked due to the landslide, causing a long traffic jam.
Two vehicles damaged in Shimla landslides Two vehicles parked at night in Vikasnagar and Panthaghati areas of Shimla city have been caught in landslides. A car parked on the roadside was damaged when a huge tree fell. The car owner, Surendra, had parked the car on the side near the Himuda gate. Due to heavy rains last night, the tree broke and fell on the car. Similarly, the front part of a car was damaged due to falling stones in Panthaghati. No casualties have been reported in both incidents.
Several houses in Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu at risk Due to heavy rains, the threat of flash floods has increased in the tribal district of Lahaul Spiti and the adjoining district of Kullu. About two dozen houses have been evacuated in both districts. In Lahaul Spiti district, due to flooding in the Myad nullah, water and debris reached houses in Karpat village. Similarly, in Palchan village of Kullu district, the water level of the Beas river rose and reached houses. As soon as the information was received, the administration team reached the spot and started relief work. The team brought food and essential items to provide immediate relief to the people. Most people have taken shelter in tents, while some have taken refuge in other villages. The widespread rainfall in Kinnaur district caused havoc as a flood in the Gyabung-Roppa nullah. Debris filled two houses in Roppa Panchayat. In addition, hundreds of apple plants and cash crops have been damaged.
45 roads closed, 215 transformers down due to landslides According to the State Emergency Operation Center, as of Monday morning, 45 roads have been blocked due to landslides in the state. 29 in Mandi, 8 in Kullu, 4 in Shimla, and 2 each in Kangra and Kinnaur. In addition, 215 transformers have been shut down. 108 in Chamba, 80 in Mandi, 22 in Shimla, and 8 in Lahaul-Spiti. According to the daily report of the Meteorological Department, Ghamroor in Bilaspur district recorded the highest rainfall of 96 mm last night. Apart from this, 63 mm in Jubbarhatti, 57 mm in Chuari, 56 mm in Nadaun, 51 mm in Dhaulakuan, 50-50 mm in Shillaru and Joginder, 48 mm in Dharamshala, and 47 mm in Dehra Gopipur.
Loss of 411 crores in monsoon season, damage to 102 houses According to the State Emergency Operation Center, a loss of 411 crores has been estimated so far in the monsoon season. This includes a loss of 172 crores to the Public Works Department. 102 houses have been damaged during the monsoon season. Of these, 18 houses were completely destroyed, while 84 houses were partially damaged. In addition, five shops and 83 cattle sheds have also been destroyed. 119 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state. Of these, 59 deaths occurred due to drowning, eight due to snakebite, eight due to electric shock, and due to slipping from a height. 60 people lost their lives in various road accidents.
Warning of heavy rain till August 4, yellow and orange alerts issued According to the forecast issued by the Meteorological Department, the weather will remain bad across the state for the next six days. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in the state till August 3. The Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for nine districts. A yellow alert has been issued for 29th and 30th July, while an orange alert has been issued for 31st July and 1st August. A yellow alert has been issued again from 2nd to 4th August. Widespread rainfall is expected in all nine districts except Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur. An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain has been issued for Sirmaur, Kangra, Bilaspur, and Una districts on 31st July and 1st August. The Meteorological Center Shimla has advised the people of the state and those coming from outside to take precautions in view of the possibility of heavy rains. People have been advised not to go near rivers and streams. People living on the banks of rivers and tributaries have also been asked to be cautious. Tourists and locals have been advised not to visit landslide-prone areas and avoid unnecessary travel.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
