Three dead, one missing as flash floods and landslides wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh
At least three people were reported dead and one was missing in Himachal Pradesh after flash floods and landslides in several districts. The Una district was one of the worst affected, with roads and houses flooded.
The flash floods in Bathu Bathri village, Haroli tehsil, in Una, claimed the lives of three people, including a seven-year-old migrant girl from Bihar. Additionally, machinery and material losses were reported at the Bela Bathri Bathu Industrial Area Khad in Una following the flash floods. A petrol pump was washed away, and industrial units were damaged due to flooding.
Landslides were reported in several districts, including Chamba, Bilaspur, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla, while flash floods were reported in Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts. Over 280 roads, including five national highways, remained blocked in the state. Kinnaur district has been cut off from Shimla due to flash floods and landslides.
Several districts remained on
orange alert because of heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday. The regional meteorological office has predicted heavy rains to continue until August 17.
According to the Hindustan Times, officials said that out of the 288 roads, 150 were closed on Saturday and 138 on Friday. As per the data from the state emergency operation centre, 96 roads in Mandi, 76 in Shimla, 37 in Kullu, 33 in Sirmaur, 26 in Chamba, 7 in Lahaul and Spiti, 5 in Hamirpur, and 4 in Kangra and Kinnaur have been closed.
The Lahaul-Spiti police on Sunday advised residents and travellers to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas due to the possibility of flash floods. The road towards Killar, near Kadhu Nallah, was also blocked due to a landslide.
Rescue efforts are underway, with Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal visiting affected areas of the districts to review relief work. He also directed to continue the relief and rescue work quickly and effectively.
The Chandigarh-Manali highway was blocked for hours due to a landslide on Saturday, stranding thousands of vehicles. It was later cleared for one-way traffic at 7 am on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicted heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh between August 12 and 18.
