August 11, 2023
Himachal Pradesh, India
Introduction
The picturesque region of Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with the devastating impact of heavy rains, floods, and landslides since the onset of the monsoon season on June 24. The cumulative toll of these natural calamities has now tragically reached 223, with an additional 295 individuals reported injured. As the state continues to battle the aftermath of these disasters, various areas have experienced disruptions, including the closure of the Kalka-Shimla National Highway 5 due to landslides triggered by relentless rainfall.
In the early hours of August 11, from approximately 2:35 am to 2:40 am, a fresh landslide occurred on the Shimla National Highway 5 between Thambu Mod and Chakki Mod. This unfortunate event forced officials to promptly shut down the affected road section. Authorities are working diligently to assess the extent of the damage and to restore the highway to operational status as quickly as possible.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another landslide last week that led to the closure of the Shimla-Kalka road. Restoration efforts have been successful, and the road was reopened to traffic just a day before this most recent landslide incident.
Consequences of wild monsoon
The consequences of the ongoing monsoon season have left numerous families devastated as hundreds of houses have been either partially or completely damaged. According to Himachal Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, approximately 800 houses have suffered complete destruction, while an additional 7500 houses have sustained varying degrees of damage.
Adding to the region’s woes, an earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale struck the Lahaul And Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. The tremors were felt at 23:20:41 Indian Standard Time (IST) and originated from a depth of 5 kilometers, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
The state’s authorities and disaster response teams are working around the clock to provide relief to the affected residents and to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters. Evacuation efforts, medical aid, and temporary shelter provisions are being coordinated to assist those affected by the series of unfortunate events.
Conclusion
As Himachal Pradesh continues to battle these multiple challenges, the resilience of its people and the concerted efforts of various agencies remain crucial in bringing stability and relief to the affected areas. The government and its partners are focused on not only immediate relief but also long-term rehabilitation to help the region recover and rebuild.
