Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Persistent monsoon showers have once again disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh, with fresh landslides reported from multiple locations in Shimla district. The latest incidents have damaged infrastructure, endangered residential buildings, and prompted authorities to remain on high alert as rainfall is expected to continue through the day.
One of the major landslides occurred in the Bothwell area of Sanjauli, close to Government College, where a large section of hillside collapsed following continuous rainfall. The sliding debris moved dangerously close to nearby residential structures, raising concerns about the safety of several families living in the area.
District officials, accompanied by teams from the Public Works Department and disaster management authorities, visited the site to inspect the damage and evaluate the stability of the affected slope. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant as further movement of soil cannot be ruled out.
In another incident, a landslide struck Rajhana village on the outskirts of Shimla, where heavy rocks and mud rolled onto a roadside stretch, crushing several parked vehicles. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported. Local authorities have begun removing debris to restore traffic movement and prevent further disruption.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that weather conditions remain favourable for additional rainfall across parts of Himachal Pradesh. A yellow alert has been issued for Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts, where isolated spells of moderate to heavy rain are likely during the day.
Officials have cautioned that continuous rainfall may trigger more landslides, falling rocks and localized flooding in vulnerable areas. Waterlogging in low-lying regions, slippery roads, traffic disruptions and temporary interruptions to essential services are also expected if rainfall intensifies.
The administration has urged residents and tourists to avoid travelling through landslide-prone routes unless necessary. People have also been advised to stay away from rivers, streams and unstable hill slopes during the ongoing wet spell.
Emergency response teams remain on standby across the affected districts, while engineers continue monitoring vulnerable locations to minimise the risk of further damage. Authorities have appealed to the public to follow weather advisories and cooperate with local officials until conditions improve.
