As many as seven buildings collapsed after heavy rain triggered landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district.
A video of the incident showed seven buildings adjacent to a bus stand collapsing. While another building in the area is still marked in danger. Due to heavy rains, the buildings had developed cracked. They were vacated 3 days ago, said an official, Ani Naresh Verma.
Incessant rains and fresh landslides killed 13 more people in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red and orange alert in both states.
Cloudbursts and landslides triggered by heavy rains claimed 12 lives in Himachal Pradesh, while another person died in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district on Wednesday. Over 400 more roads were blocked and several houses were damaged, officials said.
HIMACHAL RAINS: RED ALERT IN 6 DISTRICTS
The IMD issued a red alert, predicting “heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated spells of extremely heavy rains” in six districts of the state, including Shimla, for the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, a moderate-to-high flash flood warning has been extended to nine districts. It includes Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Hamirpur, Solan, Bilaspur, and Kullu.
The red alert warning was issued for parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts. The weather body also issued an orange sign, predicting heavy to very heavy rains on Thursday.
In view of the heavy rains, all schools and colleges have been closed for two days beginning Wednesday in Shimla, Mandi, and Solan districts.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded in the Kullu district on Wednesday. It was because of the Kullu-Mandi road got damaged due to torrential rainfall. The alternative route via Pandoh was also damaged. Debris clearance work was underway.
The roads that have been affected include National Highway 21 (Mandi-Kullu road). Also, NH 154 (Mandi-Pathankot), according to the data of the state emergency operation center.
A total of 709 roads in the state are now shut following three major spells of heavy rains that left a trail of death and destruction. Many houses also developed cracks and people are being evacuated as a precautionary measure.
As many as 120 people have died in rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh this month. While a total of 238 people have died and 40 are still missing since June 24.
In case of an emergency, the District Disaster Management Centre can be contacted through the toll-free number 1077, the officials said.
ROAD BLOCKED, RIVERS SWELL IN UTTARAKHAND
The water levels of the Pindar river and its tributary Pranmati in Chamoli district rose again following heavy rains in Uttarakhan. It is threatening to flood places located along their banks.
Due to continuous rains in most parts of the state, rivers and streams are in spate. Many roads, including national highways, were blocked for traffic, affecting normal life.
“Isolated very heavy rainfall is likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during August 23-24,” IMD had earlier said.
Schools in Dasholi and Nandnagar blocks of the district have been closed in view of heavy rains.
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