At least four people have died as heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides and road closures across Himachal Pradesh, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for several districts.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, the deaths occurred in separate incidents on Wednesday. In Mandi district, two people were killed when a landslide hit their vehicle on the Mandi-Pathankot highway. In Kullu district, a woman died after her house collapsed due to incessant rains. Another person was reported dead in Shimla district due to a wall collapse.
Impact on Infrastructure
The heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruption. Over 200 roads, including two national highways, are closed for vehicular movement. The most affected areas include Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.
IMD Alert and Forecast
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places over Himachal Pradesh for the next 48 hours. An orange alert indicates that the weather is likely to cause disruptions and advises people to remain cautious. The meteorological department has warned of potential flash floods, landslides, and damage to vulnerable structures.
Government Response
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken stock of the situation and directed officials to ensure prompt relief measures. He urged people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The state government has set up control rooms in all districts for emergency assistance.
Historical Context
Himachal Pradesh often experiences severe monsoon-related disasters. In 2023, the state witnessed devastating floods and landslides that killed over 400 people and caused extensive damage. The current monsoon season has already recorded above-normal rainfall, increasing the risk of such events.
