The North News
Shimla, July 22
At least five people have been killed and two others injured as heavy rains triggered widespread landslides across Himachal Pradesh over the past two days, said officials. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for four districts—Una, Hamirpur, Solan and Bilaspur—warning of continued heavy rainfall and potential disruptions. A yellow alert remains in place for eight other districts in the state.
Officials said 398 roads, including three national highways, have been shut due to debris and damage caused by landslides. The situation has forced the suspension of both the Shrikhand Mahadev and Kinner Kailash pilgrimages due to unsafe conditions on the trekking routes.
In one of the most serious incidents reported, a pickup truck travelling near the Luhri-Sunni stretch in Rampur was crushed by large boulders that suddenly fell from a hillside. The vehicle was completely destroyed, and two occupants were injured. Witnesses described the collapse as sudden and devastating. The rainfall, which has continued for over 36 hours, has also disrupted electricity supplies. The Officials said 682 power transformers have been knocked out, and schools have been ordered shut in three subdivisions as a precautionary measure.
Emergency response teams have been deployed across affected regions to clear roads and restore services, but further rainfall is expected, adding to concerns about ongoing instability in hill areas.
