Kullu Land Slides
The Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is facing severe landslides and destruction due to heavy rains. Homes are collapsing, and multi-storey buildings have been razed. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting rescue operations. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh for the next two days.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged that the authorities had recognized the peril and successfully evacuated a commercial building two days prior. Despite these measures, the video footage depicts the collapse of multiple houses. The CM had previously stated that the entire state bore the brunt of various catastrophic events including floods, cloud bursts, and landslides. Countless residences lay in ruins or are now uninhabitable. In response to the extensive devastation caused by the torrential rains and floods, the government took the decision to declare the entire state a disaster-affected zone.
Disturbing visuals emerge from Anni, Kullu, depicting a massive commercial building collapsing amidst a devastating landslide.
It’s noteworthy that the administration had identified the risk and successfully evacuated the building two days prior. pic.twitter.com/cGAf0pPtGd
— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 24, 2023
Total loss of Rs 8,014.61 crore
Incessant rains have caused havoc in the sensitive hill state with landslides, cloud bursts and flash floods. The state government had earlier declared the entire state as a “natural calamity affected area” and is working to assess the damage and provide relief to the affected people. A total of 709 roads have been closed due to three major spells of heavy rains this monsoon season.The Himachal Pradesh government estimates that a total loss of Rs 8,014.61 crore has been caused to public infrastructure since June 24, when the monsoon hit the state.
