Heavy Rains cause severe damage and disruptions in Himachal Pradesh: Mandi Manali 4 lane washed away
Shimla, July 9
The South West Monsoon continues wreaking havoc in many districts of Himachal Pradesh as Monsoon and a Western disturbances caused inceasent very heavy rainfall continue since Saturday Morning. The Air, Railway, Road, Power and Public Property is rendering crores of rupees loss to the hill state and water level rising in all rivulet and major river like Satluj, Ravi, Beas and Yemuna and Chenab the catchment areas along these rivers are inundated including Pandoh, Majri chowk near Nadda Sahib, Jharmajri in Baddi, Gramphu in Lahaul Spiti and near Ramshila in Kullu.
In a shocking turn of events, parts of the Manali-Mandi 4-lane road have been washed away due to the rising water levels in the River Beas. Disturbing videos circulating on social media reveal that a significant section of the 4-lane road near Kullu town has been completely destroyed. Similar reports of damage have emerged from other areas of the state, indicating the widespread impact of the heavy rains.
Deputy Commissioner Kullu Ashutosh said that extremely heavy rains disrupted movement of vehicles from Kullu to Manali and towards Atal Tunnel and Rohtang as it was completely closed. The boulders and shooting stones disrupted the Kullu-Manali-Keylong part of NH-3 at many places between Kullu and Manali along the road.
Earlier today, alarming reports surfaced about water entering Pandoh market near Mandi, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, a social media post captured the overflowing Nalla at Jharmarji in Baddi, underscoring the severity of the ongoing situation.
Another report stated that a landslide in Shimla district injured 3people. Even the Rail car derailed on kalka Shimla rail line on July 8. The Koti station master Ram Ratan informed that around 4.30 pm on Saturday when a rail car was enroute to Kalka from Shimla near Gumma railway station the boggy of car derailed due to flowing of muck and gathering excessive water on the track. All the 14 passengers boarding the car were rescued by the road . The technical wing of Northern Railway is now putting the car on the track again. Due to inclement weather and mishap had delayed the movement of passengers and goods trains on the section. The information received this morning said that now track is restored for the other train.
As per authorities, in the last 36 hours, Five human lives have been lost. 7 to 8 people have been stranded, 13landslides have been recorded. Nine flash floods, 2 fire incidents and 11buildings have been damaged in the rain so far.
In Bilaspur district NaNgal dam area recorded 282 mm rainfall, Una 228 mm, Dehragopipur in Kangra 175 mm, Una 166 mm, Chamba 146 mm, Dalhousie 143 mm, Manali 131 mm, Bilaspur 130 mm, Dharamshala in Kangra 126 mm, Nahan in Sirmaur 131 mm Gondhla in Lahaul Siti 112 mm, Kangra 108 mm, Solan 107 mm, Airport Jubbarhati 103 mm, Bhuntar airport 101 mm, Poantashaib in Sirmuar 99 mm, Palampur in Kangra 94 mm, Narkanda in Shimla 88 mm, Dhaula Kuan in Sirmaur 81 mm, Shimla and Mandi 80 mm. This rainfall is recorded till 0830 hrs on Sunday however the rainfall continues in the state.
Responding to the crisis, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu released a public message acknowledging the devastating effects of the heavy rains. He expressed concern over the swelling river drains and warned about the potential risks of landslides, falling rocks, and trees. The Chief Minister urged citizens to refrain from venturing outside unless absolutely necessary for their own safety. Assuring the public of the government’s support, he instructed the administration to provide all possible assistance and remain vigilant during this challenging period.
Taking into account the precarious conditions, the Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district administration have taken the decision to declare a holiday in all schools across the district on Monday, July 10. This measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and residents in the face of the ongoing disaster.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is bracing itself for the continuation of heavy rainfall over the next two days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to extend assistance to affected areas. Citizens are advised to exercise caution, stay indoors, and prioritize their personal safety during this critical period.
As the situation develops, we will provide you with more updates and information. Stay tuned for the latest news.
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