Yet Another Landslide In Shimla; Two Dead

OB Bureau

August 16, 2023 1:33 pm

Image courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: Shimla saw another landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the region early on Wednesday morning. Four to eight houses were swept away by a landslide in Krishna Nagar, according to a report by PTI. The rubble included a few makeshift houses as well as a slaughterhouse.

At least two people have reportedly died due to the landslide while several more are trapped under the debris, as per the report. Rescue efforts are being made by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Shimla Police.

At least 60 people died this week so far due to landslides and flashfloods in Himachal Pradesh,

Heavy rainfall and cloudburst have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh over the past week, with the chief minister of the state estimating the total death toll to be 60. “About 35 people had been evacuated from their houses. I would urge everyone to vacate their houses if they notice any cracks. The administration will ensure food and lodging for them, and we will also give money to rebuild damaged houses,” CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“We have held a meeting this evening. All educational institutes will stay shut tomorrow. We also discussed structural norms and drainage for roads. There has been a lot of damage because of the rain. Restoration will take time, but it will be done on a war footing,” he added.

“I believe that the construction in Shimla and the mismanagement of the drainage system in the houses led to weakening of the hills,” the chief minister told PTI.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Himachal Pradesh is expected to witness isolated heavy rainfall over the next two days due to a fresh spell of western disturbance.