Tragedy has struck the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh as heavy rains unleash devastating landslides and flash floods, resulting in the loss of more than 20 lives within the last 24 hours. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the grim toll, attributing the casualties to the relentless downpour wreaking havoc across the picturesque hill state.
The deluge took a particularly tragic turn in Shimla town, where a temple collapsed following a landslide. Nine bodies were recovered from the debris, highlighting the perilous conditions brought about by the incessant rains.
Other parts of Himachal Pradesh also experienced the wrath of nature, with a flash flood and cloudburst causing an additional 14 fatalities. The region is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands with its charming weather and breathtaking landscapes. However, the heavy monsoon rains have triggered flooding, landslides, and cloudbursts, disrupting travel and causing immense damage.
As videos circulated on social media capturing the destructive impact of the downpour, Chief Minister Sukhu urged residents and visitors alike to stay indoors and avoid venturing near rivers. Meanwhile, the neighboring state of Uttarakhand has also been grappling with relentless rain, leading to the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, which draws scores of tourists to its revered Hindu shrines.
The recent tragedies have reignited concerns among environmentalists over the sustainability of tourist-driven development in ecologically fragile regions like the Indian Himalayas. The combination of unchecked infrastructure expansion and extreme weather events continues to pose a significant threat, prompting a reevaluation of policy measures to safeguard these vulnerable areas.
Source: BBC
