Himachal Pradesh Rain Tragedy: 51 Lives Lost, Schools Shut Amidst Rain and Landslide Havoc
A catastrophic onslaught of rains and landslides in Himachal Pradesh has led to the heart-wrenching loss of 51 lives, underscoring the severity of the situation. Amidst this tragic event, schools have been ordered shut, and critical roads have been rendered impassable due to the deluge and landslides.
The disaster’s impact is felt acutely in various districts, echoing the nature’s relentless fury. A grim scene unfolded in Shimla, the state’s capital, as landslides engulfed two areas, leading to the discovery of 14 bodies. Of these, the most heart-rending discovery was made at the Shiva temple in the Summer Hill region, where more lives are feared to be buried beneath the debris. The temple had attracted devotees to offer prayers on an important day during the sacred month of Sawan.
Solan, another district grappling with the aftermath, witnessed the loss of 19 lives in diverse rain-related incidents. The worst-hit Solan district suffered the tragedy of eleven lives, including those of seven family members, being claimed. The weather department’s prediction of extremely heavy rainfall prompted a ‘Yellow Alert’ for nine out of twelve districts, highlighting the imminent peril.
The relentless rains led to the closure of schools and colleges, aiming to ensure the safety of the populace. Alarming figures emerged from the state’s Emergency Operations Center, revealing that a staggering 752 roads have been shut down due to the disaster’s impact. Notably, Himachal Pradesh experienced heavy downpours, triggering landslides and roadblocks that severely hampered transportation.
As the devastating cloudburst unfolded in Jadon village of Solan district, seven members of a family fell victim. Two houses were washed away by the cloudburst’s fury. The heart-wrenching episode claimed the lives of Harnam, Kamal Kishore, Hemlata, Rahul, Neha, Golu, and Raksha, a painful testament to nature’s unforgiving power.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu visited the accident site, assuring dedicated efforts to rescue the trapped. He conveyed his commitment to providing every possible assistance to those affected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledged the National Disaster Response Force’s (NDRF) involvement in relief and rescue operations while expressing deep sorrow for the loss of lives. Amidst the tragedy, Himachal Pradesh’s resilience and collective efforts shine, rallying to support those grappling with the aftermath of nature’s fury.
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