Very heavy rain triggers widespread damage across HP, Tree crushes four vehicles in Shimla
Shimla, July 6
Heavy to very heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, triggering flash floods, landslides and damage to public infrastructure. Incidents reported from Shimla, Kullu and Chamba districts highlighted the impact of the intense monsoon spell, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Kangra, Una and Sirmaur districts.
In the state capital, a large uprooted tree fell on four parked vehicles at Chamiyana during the afternoon following continuous rainfall. Though the vehicles were damaged, no injuries were reported. Civic authorities later removed the tree and restored traffic.
Heavy rain also caused the collapse of a heritage stone retaining wall near Christ Church on Shimla’s Ridge. The wall, believed to date back to the British era, caved in during the morning hours after the ground weakened due to incessant rainfall. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of old heritage structures in the hill town.
In Kullu district, a flash flood struck the Pagal Nalah in the Sainj Valley after intense rainfall in the upper catchment. A large quantity of debris and boulders flowed onto the Larji-Sainj road, forcing authorities to close the route to vehicular traffic. Road clearance operations were launched, while commuters were advised to avoid the stretch until conditions improved.
Another flash flood was reported from Brandli Khad near Naren in Rampur subdivision of Shimla district following heavy overnight rain. The sudden surge of water and debris damaged a playground and the cremation ground at Karsholi village, while two to three vehicles were buried under the debris. No casualties were reported. Local residents described the incident as a cloudburst, although officials had not confirmed the exact cause.
The spell of rain also led to a sharp fall in day temperatures across the state. Bhuntar recorded the steepest decline of 6.9 degrees Celsius, with the maximum temperature settling at 28.3 degrees. Shimla recorded 22.6 degrees after a drop of 4.9 degrees, Manali recorded 22.5 degrees following a fall of 6.1 degrees, while Mandi’s maximum temperature dropped by 5.6 degrees to 28.6 degrees Celsius.
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In Chamba district, a 14-year-old girl lost her life after a boulder struck a moving vehicle on the Bharmour-Bani road. The victim, identified as Dikshita from the Naddi area of Dharamshala, was travelling with her family after visiting the Bharmani Mata temple when the accident occurred. Police have initiated an investigation.
The widespread rainfall caused extensive damage to roads, retaining walls and other public property across the state, disrupting traffic and normal life in several districts. Authorities have appealed to residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and follow weather advisories as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in parts of Himachal Pradesh.
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