Heavy rains lash Himachal, 60 killed in landslides, scary viral videos show how bad it is

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a tragedy as the death toll from devastating landslides has risen to 60. The state has been battered by heavy rains since Sunday (August 13), triggering landslides and cloudbursts that have buried homes and buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Amidst the destruction, rescue teams are facing arduous challenges as they intensify efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies, while authorities work to restore disrupted services.

The landslides have buried homes and structures under debris, swept away roads, and disrupted crucial services like power and transportation.

The weather office has issued alerts, predicting isolated yet heavy rainfall in the state over the next two days. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Race against time: Rescue ops underway

Dedicated rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors and provide relief to affected communities. On Tuesday (August 15), three bodies were recovered from the rubble due to landslides.

One body was found under the debris of a collapsed Shiva temple in Shimla, while two more lives were claimed by a fresh landslide in the city.

Communities displaced, services disrupted

The impact of the landslides has led to the collapse of houses, including makeshift structures, leaving families displaced and mourning their losses.

The havoc has extended to vital services, causing disruptions in power supply and the railway network.

#WATCH | Several houses collapsed in Krishna Nagar area in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla after a landslide took place. Rescue operation underway.

(Video Source: Local; confirmed by Police and administration) pic.twitter.com/qdYvR4C4fx

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2023

A nearly 157 per cent surge in rainfall over the past few days has resulted in extensive damage across Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday.

Focus on restoration

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is leading efforts to expedite restoration work. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, the Chief Minister said that over 800 people were evacuated from their villages in the low-lying areas of Kangra as the water level in Pong Dam rose.

More than 800 people were evacuated from the low-lying areas of Kangra near the Pong Dam, as their villages became inaccessible due to the elevated water level in the dam reservoir.

Evacuation operation is still on as more people are being evacuated. pic.twitter.com/gtESMDhUnu

— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 16, 2023

"More than 800 people were evacuated from the low-lying areas of Kangra near the Pong Dam, as their villages became inaccessible due to the elevated water level in the dam reservoir. Evacuation operation is still on as more people are being evacuated," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

What caused the landslides in Himachal

The recent landslides in Himachal Pradesh have been caused by a combination of factors, including:

Heavy rains: The state has received record rainfall in the past few weeks, with some areas receiving more than 1000 mm of rain in the past month. This has caused the ground to become saturated and unstable, making it more likely for landslides to occur.

Deforestation: The state has lost a significant amount of forest cover in recent years, which has left the slopes more exposed to erosion and landslides.

Geological factors: Himachal Pradesh is located in a mountainous region with steep slopes and unstable soil. This makes it more prone to landslides than other parts of India.

Human activity: Human activity, such as construction and road building, can also contribute to landslides. When slopes are disturbed, it can destabilize the ground and make it more likely for landslides to occur.

Horrifying visuals of another landslide that look place at Krishna Nagar- Shimla today.

The residents of these houses were evacuated earlier this morning by the administration fearing landslide. #HimachalFloods #landslides #shimlafloods #shimla pic.twitter.com/bJNNSn9hhp

— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 15, 2023

Uttarakhand toll rises to 6

In neighboring Uttarakhand, the toll in rain-related incidents rose to six, as two more bodies were found while seven were still missing. The state has been receiving heavy rains since Monday.

A yellow alert has been issued for several places in Uttarakhand for the next four days till August 19. While the rain intensity may decrease over time, people have been warned not to venture out in areas which are affected by floods and landslides.

The river Ganga at Bhimgoda Barrage in Haridwar started receding and was flowing at 292.65 meters, slightly below the warning level of 293 meters.