'Act of God' disrupting 'Acts of man'! Landslide and flood in Himachal Pradesh sweep out normalcy

Shimla, August 19: Continuing with the heavy rains that pummelled several parts of North India on Sunday, the disastrous water levels in the state of Himachal Pradesh have left at least 28 people dead and a similar number missing also in Uttarakhand and Punjab.

 

 

While landslides have cut off several parts of the state, leaving hundreds of tourists and locals stranded, the train services between Kalka and Shimla and traffic on the aligned highway has also turned to be a disruption. However, all schools and colleges in Shimla, Solan, Kullu and Bilaspur districts are slated to be closed on today.

Further the Traffic movement has stopped at Bhuntar-Manikaran road near Sarsadi after the road caved in following a landslide. “A portion of a footbridge over Sutlej river in Chaba area of Shimla also collapsed after the water level in the river increased due to heavy rainfall in the region. The bridge provided connectivity to several villages in the state”, confirmed the rescue team officer.

 

Viewing to prevent any other natural felony, the state has resumed the electricity production in Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Station of 1500 MW capacity and 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station. “Operation was suspended yesterday due to rise in silt in the Satluj river”, he added.

 

Meanwhile, with the water level in the Yamuna River cross the danger mark, the Delhi government has moved up sounding flood alert for the city, asking people living in low-lying areas to move to safer places.