Landslides Claim Lives in Shimla and Kotkhai as Himachal Suffers Monsoon Losses; Schools Closed, Villages Unite to Overcome Adversity
Shimla, Sept 1,
Continuous heavy rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has led to widespread devastation, with multiple districts reporting tragic loss of life, road closures, and extensive property damage. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has reported that over 600 roads remain blocked and over 320 people have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents this monsoon season. The state has suffered a staggering loss of over Rs 3,042 crore since the onset of the monsoon on June 20.
Educational Institutions closed as Precaution
In light of the ongoing “red alert” for very heavy to extremely heavy rains, the district administrations of Solan, Una, and Shimla, among others, took a decisive step to ensure public safety. All educational institutions, including schools and colleges, in these districts were closed yesterday as a precautionary measure to protect students and staff from the dangers of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages.
Tragedies Strike in Shimla and Kotkhai
The incessant downpour has claimed more lives, with two separate incidents in Shimla and Kotkhai adding to the rising death toll. In Up Mohal Jot, Patwar Circle Dubloo, a massive landslide struck the home of Virender Kumar (35), killing him, his 10-year-old daughter, and their cattle. His wife miraculously survived as she was outside the house when the tragedy occurred.
In a similar incident in the early morning of September 1, a house in the village of Chol, VPO Adarsh Nagar, Kotkhai, collapsed due to a landslide. An elderly woman, Kalavati W/o Balam Singh, was trapped in the debris and was reported dead despite rescue efforts by local residents.
Community Spirit Shines in Mandi
Amidst the destruction, a story of inspiring resilience and unity has emerged from the Janjehli development block of Mandi district. With crucial road connectivity severed by the overflowing local river, residents of Halan and Bhanbas villages took matters into their own hands. Without waiting for administrative assistance, they pooled their resources and traditional skills to construct a sturdy wooden bridge. This makeshift bridge, built with the support of the Gram Panchayat and the voluntary labor of every household, has now restored a vital lifeline for the cut-off communities, allowing for the movement of essential supplies and people.
A local resident stated, “This bridge is not just about crossing a river. It is about standing together in difficult times.” The villagers’ collective effort serves as a powerful symbol of courage and community strength in the face of nature’s challenges.
Land Sinking Forces Evacuation in Hamirpur
In a concerning development, continuous heavy downpour over the past three days has triggered a land sinking incident in Chabutra Dalit Basti, located on the Hamirpur–Sujanpur highway. The sinking ground has forced the evacuation of an entire settlement. According to officials, six houses have been badly damaged and around fifteen others have developed cracks.
The local administration swiftly responded, moving approximately 120 residents to safer places, including nearby panchayat ghars, satsang bhawans, and relatives’ homes. Teams from the district administration, police, and disaster management are on-site, overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts. Geologists will be consulted to assess the stability of the land before any residents are allowed to return. This incident highlights the unusual threat of land subsidence in Hamirpur, a district typically less prone to such disasters.
Authorities have urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain cautious as more rain is forecast for the next 48 hours. Relief operations are ongoing as the state continues to grapple with the fury of the monsoon.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
