The cycle of devastation in Himachal shows no signs of stopping. Unrelenting rains from the skies and the crumbling mountains stir fear in hearts. No sooner had the aftermath of the cloudburst in Kullu faded than a five-story building in Shimla was razed to ground within five seconds.
The building had developed deep cracks due to ongoing four-lane road construction and was evacuated beforehand, preventing any casualties.
However, the rainy season leaves nearby residents anxious. Shimla's Ridge is shrouded in thick fog with forecasts predicting heavy rain continuing until July 6th.
Destruction unleashed by heavy rain and cloudburst in Mandi, water released from Pandoh Dam, schools and colleges closed, red alert continues today
Continuous heavy rains and cloudbursts have devastated various parts of Mandi. Pandoh Dam released 150,000 cusecs of water, which caused chaos in Pandoh market due to flooding last night. A red alert for very heavy rainfall persists, and educational institutions in the district remain closed today.
The meteorological department reported a 37% increase in rainfall this June, with temperatures dipping below average. Orange alerts have been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Kangra. In the past 24 hours, three people have died in the state.
This monsoon season has claimed 20 lives due to severe weather, causing damages amounting to 8 billion rupees in Himachal Pradesh.
Due to weather conditions, electricity supply has been disrupted in 130 areas across Himachal, with water supply being affected in multiple locations. Landslides have blocked 259 roads.
The most affected areas in Mandi are Thunag, Karsog, and Kuklah; here, roads have been washed away, clouds have burst, and rivers and streams have risen, flooding with devastating effects.
In Solan, on the Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway-5 at the Chakki Mod, continuous stone and debris falls from the mountain are repeatedly obstructing traffic, causing long jams. Crossing Chakki Mod takes several hours, as witnessed this Sunday.
