Himachal Pradesh floods: Red alert issued in rain-ravaged hill state; 60 deaths reported so far

PTC Web Desk:  Himachal Pradesh, battered by intense rainfall since the previous week, is unlikely to get respite from heavy rains, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and issuing a red alert for Wednesday. 

The current week has witnessed the loss of 60 precious lives in Himachal Pradesh due to the devastating impact of landslides and flash floods. The region, renowned for its picturesque mountains and being a favoured tourist spot, has been relentlessly battered by intense rainfall since the previous week.

Since Sunday, a significant number of lives have been lost in landslides that struck Summer Hill, Krishna Nagar, and Phagli, all within the state capital of Shimla. Adding to the tragedy, yet another landslide was reported in Summer Hill this morning.

According to an official statement, 13 bodies have been recovered from the rubble in Summer Hill, five from Phagli, and two from Krishna Nagar. It is being feared that more people are still trapped under the wreckage of the temple that collapsed on Monday.

Rescue operations by helicopters of @hqwaciaf in flood affected areas of Himachal Pradesh is continuing. All resources of @IAF_MCC remain on standby to augment operations as per requirement.@CMOHimachal @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia @prodefencechan1 @PRODefDehradun pic.twitter.com/vIepFyWgnY — PRO Defence Palam (@DefencePROPalam) August 16, 2023

On Tuesday evening, a devastating landslide engulfed Krishna Nagar, a central area of Shimla, resulting in the destruction of approximately eight houses and claiming the lives of two persons. Numerous other residences had to be evacuated due to the imminent danger posed by the landslide.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh said more than 800 persons had been successfully rescued from the vulnerable low-lying regions, and evacuation efforts were still underway. The Chief Minister also conducted an aerial assessment of the rain-affected zones within Kangra district on Wednesday.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu tweeted, "Conducted an aerial survey of Fatehpur and Indora in Kangra district to assess the extent of the calamity's impact.Witnessed the heartbreaking aftermath of the calamity. The strength and resilience of our people in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. We stand united to restore and uplift our beloved communities and Our government remains committed to providing swift relief and support to the affected areas. Together, we will overcome this challenge and rebuild stronger."

Conducted an aerial survey of Fatehpur and Indora in Kangra district to assess the extent of the calamity's impact.Witnessed the heartbreaking aftermath of the calamity. The strength and resilience of our people in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. We stand united to… pic.twitter.com/Zp4cNdACmN — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 16, 2023

The Himachal CM has officially confirmed the death toll at 60 over the past three days. A meeting was convened to address concerns regarding structural integrity and drainage matters, he said, giving an assurance that while the restoration process would need time, it would be executed with an urgent and determined approach.

On the other hand, in view of severe weather conditions, all schools and colleges across Himachal Pradesh would remain closed until August 19.  Himachal Pradesh University has also decided to suspend its teaching activities till then.

The National Disaster Response Force has dispatched two teams to the state, with one stationed in Shimla and the other in Kangra. Besides this, the Air Force, Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police are collaborating to support and actively participate in rescue operations within Shimla.

According to officials, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the impact of landslides, causing approximately 800 roads to be blocked. The ongoing monsoon season has inflicted extensive losses on the state, amounting to thousands of crores.

- With inputs from agencies

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