Hundreds Feared Dead in Devastating Landslides After Heavy Rains in Himachal Pradesh
Recent heavy rains in the Himalayas have caused landslides in India’s Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of hundreds of people and leaving 13 individuals still missing, according to the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Agency. The disaster, which occurred on Sunday, has left a trail of destruction, with houses reduced to rubble and vehicles precariously teetering on the edge of cliffs. Rescue operations are underway, with images coming in of brave rescuers diligently working to clear debris and assist stranded survivors.
Attributing these catastrophic landslides to climate change, government officials in India, Pakistan, and Nepal have pointed to unusually heavy rains and melting glaciers as the root cause. Reuters reports that flash floods have become increasingly prevalent in the region over the past year due to global warming.
The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by the incessant rainfall, with rivers bursting their banks and roads being rendered impassable due to the force of the landslides. The Shimla temple collapse stands as one of the most devastating incidents, with nine bodies already recovered and many more feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Expressing concern over the situation, Sukwinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, took to Twitter to convey his condolences and acknowledge the gravity of the tragedy. “Once again, tragedy has struck Himachal Pradesh,” he tweeted. “Continuous rainfall over the past 48 hours has resulted in heavy landslides and widespread damage, causing loss of life and property.”
Anticipating further rainfall, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, relief may be on the horizon, as meteorologists predict a gradual decrease in rainfall from August 15 onwards.
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- Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Officer Praween Bharadavaj has described the heavy rains in the state as unparalleled in their scope and devastation. Widespread house collapses have been reported, with at least seven fatalities in the Solan area. Tragically, a mother and son lost their lives in Mandi after their house succumbed to the forces of the landslides.
India’s Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Agency reported on Monday that heavy rains in the Himalayas caused landslides on Sunday that killed hundreds of people. At least 50, with 13 still missing.
India’s Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Agency reported on Monday that heavy rains in the Himalayas caused landslides on Sunday that killed hundreds of people. At least 50, with 13 still missing.
Reuters reported that unusually heavy rains and melting glaciers had caused flash floods in India, Pakistan and Nepal over the past year or so, with government officials saying this was a result of global warming.
Television in Himachal Pradesh showed pictures of houses destroyed by landslides. Buses and cars almost fell over a cliff after the road was cut into pieces. and hundreds of people waiting for help from rescuers clearing debris. There are also images of rivers overflowing their banks in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Sukwinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Posting a message on X (Twitter), “Once again a tragedy has happened to Himachal Pradesh. It has been raining continuously for the last 48 hours.
“Heavy rains and landslides have been reported in many parts of the state. resulting in the loss of property and precious life.”
The chief minister said that one of the worst incidents was a temple in Shimla. The state capital collapsed with rescuers removing at least nine bodies.
India Meteorological Department issues red alert for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. And it is expected that the rain will start to fall less heavily from Tuesday (August 15) onwards.
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Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Officer Praween Bharadavaj said that this is the first time they have seen such widespread and destructive heavy rains in the state.
Mr. Bharatwaj added that many houses have collapsed in Solan area. At least seven people were killed. In the Mandi area, a mother-son duo died after their house collapsed.
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