Heavy Rains and Landslides Claim 72 Lives in Himachal Pradesh, Over 40 Missing
In a devastating turn of events, the death toll in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 72 due to relentless heavy rainfall and landslides, with more than 40 individuals still unaccounted for. The state meteorological department has issued warnings for further heavy rains across ten districts, especially in Kangra, Sirmaur, and mandi, where extremely heavy rainfall is expected this Sunday.
Simultaneously occurring, warnings have also been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu. Chief Minister Sukhu reported that 14 instances of cloudbursts have occurred in various parts of the state over the past few days, leading to flash floods and landslides that have destroyed numerous homes and damaged many structures. The state disaster management department estimates that the natural calamity has caused property damage amounting to ₹700 crores. Currently, 260 roads are closed across the state, with some wholly submerged or blocked due to landslides, creating significant challenges for rescue and recovery efforts.
