Himachal rains: Eight Kullu buildings collapse, rains continue to lash States
Himachal Pradesh is witnessing one of the worst monsoon seasons in recent history, with heavy rains causing widespread damage and loss of life. The state has recorded over 120 deaths and 40 missing cases due to rain-related incidents this month alone. The rains have also triggered landslides, flash floods, road blockages, and building collapses in several parts of the state.
One of the most shocking incidents occurred on August 24, when at least eight buildings that had developed cracks and were declared unsafe following recent rains collapsed in Anni area of Kullu district, throwing up large clouds of dust and debris. There were no casualties, as the buildings housing shops, banks and other commercial establishments had been vacated a few days ago. However, the incident exposed the vulnerability of the structures in the hilly region and the need for better disaster management.
The buildings collapsed due to a rain-triggered landslide that occurred along the National Highway-305 in Anni. The landslide also blocked the traffic on the highway, hampering the relief and rescue operations. The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Anni, Naresh Verma, who was at the spot, said that the assessment of damage was being done and some other unsafe buildings along the highway had also been vacated as a precautionary measure.
The Kullu district administration has issued an advisory for the people living in low-lying areas and near river banks to move to safer places, as the water level of Beas river has risen due to heavy rainfall. The district has also witnessed several cases of cloudbursts, landslides and road closures in the past few days. The district disaster management authority has asked the people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert for any emergency situation.
The situation is not much better in other parts of Himachal Pradesh, as rains continue to lash several districts. Palampur received 137 mm of rain since Wednesday evening, Nahan received 93 mm, Shimla 79 mm, Dharamshala 70 mm and Mandi 57 mm. The rains have led to closure of 709 roads in the state. Shimla and Solan districts were hit hard during the second spell of heavy rains on August 14 and 15, while Shimla city suffered heavy damage in the third spell on August 22 night.
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has said that ₹165.22 crore had been released to all the Deputy Commissioners and the line departments in the state for the restoration of damaged works¹. He has also claimed that the state has suffered losses of ₹10,000 crore so far due to the heavy rains. He has urged the Centre to provide adequate financial assistance to the state to cope with the calamity.
The Meteorological Department has predicted more rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for the next few days. The department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una districts on August 26 and 27. The department has also issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall at isolated places in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts on August 26.
The people of Himachal Pradesh are hoping for some respite from the incessant rainfall that has wreaked havoc in their state. They are also appealing for more support and help from the government and other agencies to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Source:
(1) Himachal rains | Eight Kullu buildings collapse, rains continue to lash .... https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/eight-buildings-collapse-in-kullu-rains-continue-to-lash-himachal/article67230273.ece.
(2) Himachal rains: Eight buildings collapse in Kullu. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/himachal-rains-eight-buildings-collapse-in-kullu/videoshow/103032250.cms.
(3) Himachal Rains: Buildings Collapse Like Pack Of Cards In Himachal's .... https://news.abplive.com/states/himachal-rains-buildings-collapse-like-pack-of-cards-in-himachal-s-kullu-due-to-landslides-watch-1625050.
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