Aakanksha Jetley, Pune
Heavy rainfall has unleashed havoc in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, resulting in tragic and severe disruptions. A cloudburst in Solan, Himachal Pradesh’s Kandaghat sub-division, has led to the loss of seven lives as two houses and a cowshed were swept away.
Uttarakhand is on high alert, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red alerts for several districts, including Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar. The IMD predicted heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in these areas over the next 24 hours. The state has reported 52 rain-related deaths and 37 injuries.
IMD forecasts indicate heavy to very heavy rainfall across various districts. In Himachal Pradesh, regions like Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti are expected to be affected. Continuous rainfall has caused landslides and blocked major roads, including the Shimla-Chandigarh route.
Rescue efforts are in full swing as local authorities and disaster response teams strive to help stranded individuals and provide relief. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) teams have been deployed to areas heavily impacted by the downpour. Uttarakhand’s disaster management department estimates damages of about ₹650 crore during this monsoon season.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed condolences and pledged assistance to the affected families. Citizens are being urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to safety advisories. As the rain persists and challenges continue, the focus remains on minimizing loss of life, restoring normalcy, and addressing the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Tags: Rainfall, Natural Disaster, Cloudburst, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Heavy Rain, Death Toll, Rescue Operations, Infrastructure Damage, IMD Alerts.