7 killed after a cloudburst in Solan, heavy rainfall to continue in HP and UK

A temple collapse in Shimla claimed nine lives, while seven in a cloudburst in Solan due to heavy rainfall. The temple’s collapse prompted rescue efforts to locate trapped individuals. Widespread destruction emerged across the state, with flooding, landslides, and fallen trees damaging houses, leaving many without basic services. Over 800 roads, including vital routes, were shut down, halting travel for thousands. The meteorological department warned of more heavy rainfall, particularly in rivers’ catchment areas, raising concerns about cloudbursts.

Himachal’s Chief Minister extended condolences, pledging support for affected families. Identified victims included Harnam, Kamal Kishore, Hemlata, Rahul, Neha, Golu, and Raksha. The Chief Minister took action, closing educational institutions for the day and cancelling exams. As the state grapples with this calamity, the community unites to recover and rebuild.

In the past 24 hours, heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, triggering devastating events. Landslides and uprooted trees have caused substantial damage to houses, vehicles, and infrastructure. 150 roads have been rendered impassable, throwing normal life into disarray.

Among the unsettling incidents, a private bus conductor sustained injuries as a tree crashed into the vehicle near ISBT. Across the affected areas, 452 roads have been closed, with Mandi grappling with the most extensive impact—236 roads blocked. Shimla and Bilaspur districts are not spared either, with 59 and 40 roads respectively shut down, as revealed by the state emergency operation centre.

The aftermath has seen its fair share of destruction. In Dudhli, a landslide damaged three parked vehicles, while a similar occurrence near St. Edwards School and uprooted trees near 103 Tunnel hampered transportation in Shimla. This unforeseen disruption has also created inconsistencies in the supply of essential items such as milk, newspapers, and edibles, affecting both Shimla and the upper regions.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand faced its own ordeal. The monsoon rains led to severe waterlogging in Dehradun and Nainital, prompting an alarming red alert by the Indian Meteorological Department for heavy rains in six districts, including these two cities. The natural beauty of Chamoli was marred as landslides blocked the Badrinath National Highway in Pipalkoti, burying vehicles under debris.

Rishikesh-Chamba National Highway was obstructed due to a landslide near Kunjapuri Bagardhar in Tehri. The Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar National Highways also had heavy vehicle movement suspended at Sakhnidhar. The Nandakini River in Chamoli breached the danger mark, causing alarm as the district confronted heavy rainfall.

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