Landslides Bury Homes, Vehicles in Himachal

Moderate to heavy rainfall has significantly impacted Himachal Pradesh, with Shimla and other areas experiencing adverse weather. The Chamba district has been particularly hard-hit by landslides, resulting in the burial of around a dozen vehicles and many homes under debris.

Torrential rains on Monday evening led to the closure of 108 roads across the state. Additionally, 38 water supply schemes and nine transformers have been disrupted. The state emergency operation centre reported these closures due to landslides and flash floods.

A moderate flash-flood threat has been issued for parts of seven districts, including Chamba, Kangra, and Shimla, within the next 24 hours. An orange warning for heavy to very heavy rains is in effect for isolated areas until July 30 and again on August 3, according to the Meteorological Department.

In Bhariad village, Chamba, families were evacuated as seasonal rivulets overflowed and changed course. Landslides deposited large amounts of debris onto roads and residential areas. The Satluj Water Supply Project in Shimla is experiencing disturbances due to transformer failure and flooding, impacting water supply.

Since the monsoon began on June 30, landslides and flash floods have claimed 15 lives in Himachal Pradesh. Peak rainfall activity is anticipated between late night July 29 and July 31.