Natural disaster in Himachal Pradesh: Death toll crosses 60

Many incidents of landslides

Deluge of River Beas

Shimla (HP) – The hilly States, viz. Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand, are struck by torrential rains for the last 4-5 days, and it will continue for two more days, as per the warning given by the Weather Bureau. Several incidents of landslides have been reported in both these States, and there is flooding everywhere. More than 60 deaths have been reported in the last four days in HP. Many teams of National Disaster Management are engaged in rescue operations throughout HP, including Shimla, for the protection of people, and they are helped even by the helicopters of the Air Force. There is a surge in River Beas at many places, making it difficult to bring the situation under control.

Disaster in Shimla, the Capital City

Major landslides struck the Summer Hill and Krishna Nagar areas of Shimla and many scary videos have become viral, showing collapsing houses and trees like with a pack of cards. Everyone is moved by such sights. The death toll from landslides near Shiva Temple in the Summer Hill area is stated to be 14 devotees so far. More than 400 people in Nurpur have been shifted to a safe place. Similar action is being taken at Kangra on a war footing.

60 dead, heavy rain alert for #HimachalPradesh till Aug 19; 10 bodies still buried under #temple that collapsed in #Shimla https://t.co/OuezNaRZew

— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) August 16, 2023

Heavy landslides even in Uttarakhand

Hundreds of devotees are trapped at Rudra Prayag in Uttarakhand, and efforts are on to bring them out safely. Similar rescue efforts are going on even in the Madmaheshwar Ghati area. Many houses have collapsed in Joshimath and Pauri due to landslides. The surge in River Beas, even at Gurdaspur and Rupnagar in Punjab, has totally paralysed human life.