Shiv Mandir at Summer Hill, Shimla collapsed after a heavy rainfall, the incident has reportedly caused 9 casualties as the local administration continues to clear the debris and rescue those still trapped, said Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
A rescue operation is being carried out by the Police and State Disaster Response Force officials at the moment as a total of 50 devotes had gathered at the temple at the time of the incident. Simultaneously, several houses have been reported buried under the mud and slush brought down by another rain-related landslide in the Fagli area, Shimla. Deputy Commissioner of Shimla Aditya Negi told PTI that 15 to 20 people were feared buried in the two landslides and rescue operations were going on in full swing.
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"20-25 people are trapped under debris here (Summer Hill, Shimla). 21 people dead in the last 24 hours in the state. I appeal to people to stay indoors, to not venture near rivers and landslide-prone areas. Restoration works will begin as soon as rain stops," the Chief Minster told ANI.
Following the death of seven people from a cloudburst, at Jason village in Himachal, the MeT issued a yellow warning in the state from 14th till 17th. The State’s Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu gave his condolences to the families of the seven deceased from the cloudburst earlier this morning. “We have directed the authorities to ensure all possible assistance and support to the affected families during this trying period,’ said the Chief Minister.
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PTI reported another rain-related accident on Sunday where a bus-conductor sustained injuries from a tree falling on the bus. The Shimla-Kalka National Highway also has been affected by recurrent landslides, the officials added. A major landslide hit the highway on August 2, and so was only reopened on August 8.
Rains and landslides have also caused widespread damage to crops, fertile lands and buildings in parts of Hamirpur and other districts. The state has been experiencing heavy rains for the past 24 hours, keeping in mind MeT’s warning and the ensuing landslides, and road blockage, the government has directed schools and colleges to stay shut until further notification.
In lieu of the rising water level in the Beas river following heavy rains, the Bhakra Beas Management Board decided to release water from Pong dam from 8 am on Monday. People have been in informed about the same to avoid any accidents. IMD Shimla, on Sunday had predicted, a chance of moderate rain in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti and heavy to very heavy rain at one or two places, in the next 24 hours.
The hill station has suffered a loss of Rs 7200, while a total of 257 casualties from rain-related incidents and road accidents have also been recorded. The local MeT has issued a yellow warning from august 14th to 17th, although incessant showers are expected to continue till the 19th.
