Over 50 people have lost their lives due to heavy rainfall causing landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods

In a series of rain-related tragedies within 24 hours in Himachal Pradesh, over 50 people have lost their lives due to heavy rainfall causing landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods. The incidents have resulted in significant destruction and loss of life in the hill state. The situation is particularly grim in areas like Mandi, Solan, and Shimla.

The first incident occurred in Solan district, where a cloudburst claimed the lives of seven individuals. Subsequently, a landslide near a Shiv Temple in the Summer Hill area of Shimla resulted in the deaths of nine people. The toll continued to rise when flash floods in Sambal village, Mandi district, swept away seven individuals. Disturbing visuals of the incidents have circulated, depicting the severity of the situation.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared video clips of the affected areas, emphasizing the ongoing rescue and relief operations to address the tragic circumstances. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his distress over the loss of lives and confirmed the involvement of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in the rescue efforts.

Amid the calamity, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the public to stay indoors, avoid approaching drains and rivers, and help one another during this crisis. A concerning situation emerged in Shimla, with 15 to 20 people feared buried in two separate landslides, prompting rescue operations.

The heavy rains affecting Himachal Pradesh and neighboring Uttarakhand have been attributed to a fresh spell of Western Disturbance, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. The monsoon trough’s location along the Himalayan foothills has led to South-westerly Arabian Sea monsoonal winds hitting the region, exacerbating the rainfall.

The cumulative impact of these rain-related incidents has left Himachal Pradesh in a state of devastation. The state has suffered a staggering financial loss of ₹7,020.28 crore due to the monsoon’s destructive effects. With hundreds of roads closed in the wake of these calamities, the region faces significant challenges in the days ahead.