A horrifying landslide triggered by incessant rainfall struck the town of Anni in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district today, resulting in the collapse of several buildings. The shocking incident was captured on video, showcasing the destructive force of the landslide. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, initial reports indicate that there have been no casualties as the buildings were reportedly evacuated a few days prior.
The calamitous event unfolded in the market area of Anni, a town located 76 kilometers from the district headquarters of Kullu. The video footage shows multiple houses crumbling like a pack of cards as the landslide engulfed the area. At least eight to nine substantial buildings collapsed near a bus stand, with one of them reportedly housing two banks.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that the administration had taken proactive measures by identifying the risk and evacuating the commercial building two days before the disaster struck. He expressed his concern over the devastating visuals and the impact on the town.
The state of Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with relentless rain, cloudbursts, and landslides in recent weeks. The fresh landslide in Anni adds to the series of natural calamities that have affected the region. The Kullu-Mandi Highway has suffered significant damage, leading to the disconnection of these areas and leaving several vehicles stranded.
Shimla, another city severely affected by the monsoon fury, recorded a staggering 190 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the next two days across Himachal Pradesh, signaling the anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential dangers.
This year’s monsoon season has wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, with a total of 2,022 houses fully damaged and 9,615 houses partially damaged due to the ongoing landslides and adverse weather conditions. The region has witnessed over 113 landslides during this year’s monsoon, underscoring the magnitude of the challenges posed by nature’s fury.
In Shimla, often referred to as the “queen of the hills,” over 100 buildings have collapsed as the state grapples with one of the worst-ever natural calamities in its history. The monsoon has wreaked havoc, washing away historical structures like the ancient Shiv Temple in the popular Summer Hill area of Shimla.
As Himachal Pradesh battles the aftermath of these natural disasters, authorities continue their efforts to assess and manage the situation, providing aid to affected residents and working towards restoring normalcy in the region. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of hilly regions to extreme weather events and the need for robust disaster preparedness measures.
Sources By Agencies
