Landslide, flood alert in Himachal Pradesh after heavy rains

MANALI: The weather department on Wednesday issued a landslide warning for Shimla, Solan and adjoining areas following rains in most parts of Himachal Pradesh. Most parts of the state will continue to receive rain in the day, the weatherman said. Kullu administration has sounded an alert following incessant rains in many parts of the district and issued advisory to residents and tourists to stay away from rivers in spate and from landslide-prone areas.
The water level in rivers and streams increased suddenly following heavy rains here on Wednesday. The high peaks received some traces of snow overnight. With increase in temperature, the snow is melting fast, resulting in increase in water level in the rivers that are already high due to rain.
Kullu deputy commissioner Richa Verma said, “A yellow alert has been issued in the district. People are advised not to go close to the rivers and nullahs. They should maintain a safe distance from the mountains and landslide-prone areas. The monsoon season has started and the possibility of landslides, shooting stones and floods increases,” she said.
She added that meteorological centre has issued warning for very heavy rain on Friday and Saturday and landslides are likely at some places. Children and elderly have been advised to stay indoors during this time. Residents and tourists have been advised not to park vehicles close to mountain faces and to avoid driving in the night time. The administration has asked public works, electricity, irrigation and public health departments to stay alert. Officials have been asked to deploy machines at crucial points so that roads remain open 24 hours a day.
Meanwhile, hearts of thousands of people living close to Beas river have started beating hard. Flood in Beas wreaks havoc every year in monsoon season. It damages both public and private properties. Many people shift to safe place around the monsoon. Cloudbursts and flash floods are other natural disasters that cause loss to both humans and properties in monsoon season.