Heavy rains trigger landslides, damage roads across HP; IMD warns of continued downpour
Heavy rains trigger landslides, damage roads across HP; IMD warns of continued downpour
Shimla, July 11,
Relentless monsoon rains continued to disrupt normal life across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, triggering landslides, road damage and flooding in several parts of the state.
Fresh incidents from Shimla, Rampur and Kinnaur highlighted the deteriorating situation as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue in many districts.
According to the IMD, moderate to heavy rain is likely over Chamba, Kullu, Shimla and Sirmaur districts, while Mandi, Kinnaur and Kangra are expected to receive moderate rainfall.
The weather office has cautioned that the prevailing conditions may lead to localized waterlogging, slippery roads, poor visibility, traffic congestion and temporary disruption of outdoor activities.
The impact of the continuous rainfall was evident in Shimla town, where a major landslide struck near Sanjauli College at around 4 a.m. on Saturday.
The retaining slope beneath the road leading to the college collapsed, sending debris towards houses located below. Though no casualties were reported, several residential buildings came under imminent threat and the pathway providing access to the affected houses was partially washed away, causing panic among residents.
The situation in rural areas is equally grim. In Jaghori Panchayat of Rampur subdivision, rising water levels in a local ravine inundated a road, completely blocking vehicular movement. The closure has disrupted the daily commute of villagers and affected connectivity in the area.
In Kinnaur district, heavy rain and the swelling Baspa River damaged the approach road to the Sangla bridge, affecting traffic movement.
Former CPM MLA Rakesh Singha said the Sangla bridge would affect the large number of people.
IMD urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have also issued advisories asking people to remain alert near rivers, streams and other water bodies, as water levels may rise suddenly not only due to heavy rainfall but also because of operational releases and silt-flushing activities at hydroelectric projects during the monsoon. People have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
The IMD has urged residents and tourists to avoid landslide-prone slopes, narrow hill roads, damaged and rain-ravaged stretches, areas vulnerable to rolling stones, flash floods and water submergence.
Motorists have been advised to follow traffic advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and remain updated with official weather bulletins and directions issued by the state government and district administrations.
Given the monsoon fury the advisory plays important role as it could avert casuality and loss to a greater extent. Poor drainage system in Urban areas along highway and Major roads in the state is creating havoc.
Commuters should follow advisory as rolling stones and landslides in newly constructed roads might push anyone in danger.
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