Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, July 21,
Continuous heavy rainfall in Shimla district has triggered landslides, uprooted trees, and disrupted essential services, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
A review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, revealed that 11 people have lost their lives in various rain-related incidents since June 20. These include three deaths due to falling incidents, one due to drowning, and seven in road accidents. The district has also reported the loss of 45 cattle and damage to 7 pucca houses, 17 kutcha houses, 10 cowsheds, one labour shed, and one watermill (gharaat).
The cumulative loss in the district has reached Rs 78.34 crore, with roads, water supply schemes, and power infrastructure severely affected. The Deputy Commissioner has directed the Public Works Department to prioritize the restoration of blocked roads, particularly key routes connecting rural areas and Shimla town.
Fresh incidents of damage were reported on Monday. Heavy rain led to the uprooting of two large trees near Sanjauli College, damaging two vehicles and forcing the temporary closure of the road. National Highway-5 near Kumarhatti-Shanand was blocked due to massive boulders falling onto the road, disrupting traffic. The Shimla-Jubberhatti Airport road at Jathia Devi was also blocked but later restored.
As a precautionary measure, all educational institutions in Jubbal, Chopal, and Jalog (Sunni sub-division) have been ordered to remain closed due to incessant rainfall. The rising silt level in water sources has also disrupted water supply to Shimla town, with officials warning that no regular water supply will be available for the next two days.
The Deputy Commissioner said that investigation committees have submitted reports on the recent Bhattakufar house collapse, which was triggered by a landslide caused during construction work on the Kaithlighat-Dhali four-lane project. The findings of these reports were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, particularly on landslide-prone stretches, and to remain vigilant as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to forecast heavy rainfall for the region.
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