Shimla: The weathergods continued to vent their fury on Himachal Pradesh as incessant rain wreaked havoc on the hill state.
Parts of Himachal saw record rainfall, with Solan receiving 135 mm of rain on Sunday to break a 50-year-old record, reported PTI. Una experienced maximum rainfall since 1993.
Landslides and flash floods, triggered by heavy rain, caused extensive damage.
Scary videos and photos of a hotel collapsing, bridges coming apart and Beas river flowing well over danger mark flooded social media, giving an idea of the magnitude of devastation. Fourteen deaths have so far been reported so far.
Manali Aallu ground…hotel washed away. @NDRFHQ @CMOFFICEHP @AmitShahOffice @IMDWeather #HimachalPradesh #Monsoon2023 pic.twitter.com/3R3qsYphA5
— Vinod Katwal (@Katwal_Vinod) July 9, 2023
Heavy rains led to landslides & flash floods in Himachal Pradesh.
At least 13 landslides & 9 flash floods reported in last 36 hours.
Pray for Himachal 🙏 pic.twitter.com/s18ICufCmH
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) July 10, 2023
A worried CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed to the people to stay home and cooperate with authorities.
“I urge people to unitedly face the difficulty and stay in their homes for the next 24 hours as there is a possibility of heavy rain,” the Sukhu said in a video message.
Now i lost the count , Beas River inhales several bridges today
So Heartbreaking to see 🙏🏻
Kun ka Tar Bridge connecting Kotli with Jogindernagar collapsed#HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/ng7iFmR2aS
— Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) July 9, 2023
He announced three helpline numbers — 1100, 1070 and 1077 — for people who are in need of assistance.
“You can call these numbers in case of any emergency and I will also be available 24 hours,” the CM assured.
Nursery Bridge collapsed at Sissu
Lahaul , Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/GrWcPxR1gn
— Go Himachal (@GoHimachal_) July 9, 2023
The CM requested lawmakers to camp in their constituencies and help the public.
“Please help people during this calamity and ensure that they are compensated for their losses,” he said.