Torrential Rain Wreaks Havoc in Himachal: Landslides and Uprooted Trees Disrupt Life in Shimla

Shimla, June 29:
Monsoon rains have arrived with intensity in Himachal Pradesh, bringing widespread disruption, especially in the state capital Shimla and surrounding areas. Since Saturday night, relentless downpours have triggered landslides and uprooted trees, leading to blocked roads, damage to vehicles and property, and serious threats to public safety. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days, with warnings of continued downpours across the state until July 5.

Landslides Threaten Homes in Shimla; Roads Blocked by Fallen Trees

In Shimla’s Khalini suburb, a significant landslide occurred near the Mist Chamber area, endangering two residential homes. Local residents allege that ongoing construction work in the area had loosened the soil, making the slope unstable.

On the Panthaghati-Junga road, a large tree collapsed near Bells Institute due to heavy rain, damaging passing vehicles and halting traffic.

Multiple landslides were also reported on the road leading to the Super Specialty Hospital in Chamiyana, leaving it blocked with debris. Patients and their families were forced to walk to the hospital on foot. In the Bharari area of the city, a car was completely crushed under a fallen tree. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Mandi Records Heaviest Rainfall in the State

In the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh has seen intense rainfall in several regions. Jogindernagar in Mandi district recorded the highest at 135 mm, followed by Kasauli (125 mm), Kahu (119 mm), Paonta Sahib (116 mm), Bijahi (102 mm), Sundernagar (96 mm), Gaghas (92 mm), Shimla (91 mm), Kufri (89 mm), Bilaspur (86 mm), Solan (85 mm), Dharampur (84 mm), Sujanpur (79 mm), Pandoh (68 mm), and Nagrota Surian (65 mm).

Flash Flood Threat Looms Over 10 Districts

Except for Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, the weather department has warned of potential flash floods in the next 24 hours across 10 districts of the state. Citizens have been strictly advised to avoid rivers, streams, and other water bodies during this period.

The district administrations have activated emergency response teams at both district and tehsil levels. The state government has taken the meteorological warnings seriously and instructed all concerned departments to remain on high alert.

Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel and remain vigilant as the monsoon continues to intensify.