Shimla, July 11
Relentless monsoon rain continued to batter Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, triggering fresh landslides, flash floods and road blockades across the state. In the latest incident, a major landslide in Shimla’s Sanjauli area threatened several residential buildings, forcing families to spend the night outdoors as authorities rushed to assess the damage.
The landslide occurred in the Bothwell Estate area near Sanjauli College after continuous rainfall weakened the slope and a retaining wall beneath the road gave way. Debris and loose earth slid downhill towards residential houses, damaging access paths and placing nearly 10 houses at risk. At least three to four buildings are reported to be in the immediate danger zone, though no casualties have been reported. Municipal Corporation officials and the district administration carried out a preliminary survey and initiated emergency measures, including covering the vulnerable slope with tarpaulin to prevent further erosion.
A landslide had occurred from the uphill side due to continuous rainfall at Mohal Rajhana, resulting in the fall of a large quantity of rocks, boulders and debris onto the roadside. Two vehicles parked at the site were found severely damaged and partially buried under the debris.
Residents alleged that construction activity in the vicinity had aggravated the instability of the slope despite restrictions during the monsoon season. The landowner, however, denied carrying out any recent construction and attributed the incident to poor drainage and water accumulation. Authorities said the exact cause would be determined after a detailed technical inspection.
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The Sanjauli incident came even as heavy rain continued to disrupt normal life across the hill state. In Kinnaur district, flash floods damaged infrastructure and disrupted connectivity, while landslides repeatedly blocked roads at vulnerable stretches, including Maling Nala. Elsewhere, overflowing seasonal streams, waterlogging and falling boulders affected traffic and damaged property in several districts. Recent flash floods also washed away a vital bridge in Kinnaur, isolating villages and prompting precautionary evacuations.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued monsoon activity over Himachal Pradesh and warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places in Shimla, Kullu, Bilaspur, Chamba and Sirmaur districts. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid landslide-prone areas, stay away from rivers and streams, and undertake travel only when necessary as saturated slopes remain vulnerable to fresh collapses.
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