Himachal Pradesh, India’s northern hill state, is currently on high alert following unrelenting rain, which has induced severe landslides and flash floods, leading to substantial structural damage and significant disruption to everyday life. The authorities have issued a red alert as the state continues to bear the brunt of the intense monsoon rain, affecting the northern parts of India.
BJP issues helpline numbers
The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued helpline numbers for the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the wake of landslides, flash floods and other damages there due to incessant heavy rainfall. People can call up the state BJP office, on 01772831893 and 9317221289, seeking help, news agency ANI said in a tweet.
Unprecedented Destruction Wreaks Havoc
The devastating power of the rain has triggered 14 major landslides and 13 flash floods across the state. Distressing visuals from the state have surfaced online, showing cars being swept away by the floodwaters, mudslides spilling into residential areas, and temples and other buildings along the riverbanks being swallowed by the rising rivers. Daily life has been disrupted with schools and colleges being shut down for the next two days.
Relief Efforts Hampered, Yet NDRF Teams Prevail
In Kasol, the force of the swollen river carried away parked tourist vehicles while several bridges across the state succumbed to the rushing waters. Significant portions of the national highway alongside the Beas River in Kullu have been destroyed due to landslides. Although incessant rain has hampered relief, rescue, and restoration efforts, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has managed to rescue six individuals stranded in the middle of the Beas River in Mandi district.
IMD Sounds Red Alert, Historic Rainfall Records Shattered
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for 10 out of 12 districts in Himachal, including Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu, as major rivers such as the Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan and Chenab overflow their banks. Remarkably, the city of Solan reported a rainfall of 135mm on Sunday, shattering a 50-year record set in 1971, while Una observed the highest rainfall since 1993.
Sadly, the rainstorm has claimed at least six lives. Three individuals from the same family perished in a Shimla house collapse due to a landslide, with single fatalities reported in Kullu and Chamba. In the Shimla suburb of Rajhana, a young girl lost her life as a landslide triggered by the rain hit her home. The state of Himachal Pradesh is battling nature’s fury, as officials strive to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
