DNA TV Show: Why Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand witnessing landslides, flood-like situation

The existence of life on earth depends on rain, but heavy rains have the potential to be destructive. India's Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand hill states have been devastated by nature. Heavy rains have been falling in two of the nation's hilly states, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, since yesterday.

This rainfall has caused landslides and flood-like conditions in many areas of the valley. The authorities have been taking action to rescue those who are trapped. In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, at least 44 people have already perished as a result of flooding and cloudburst incidents.

In this, there have been 41 fatalities in Himachal Pradesh alone, with 9 of those deaths occurring in Shimla. On the other hand, it is said that 3 people have passed away in Uttarakhand. All of the valley regions close to Mandi are experiencing flooding-like conditions.

In the valley areas, the rainwater that fell from the mountains is wreaking havoc. In Sirmour, there was also a mountainside landslide accident. After prolonged rains, a large amount of stone and soil were carried by the water that descended from the mountains, destroying anything that got in the way of the flood. In addition to damage to automobile, damage was also done to houses.

The Shiv Bawdi temple in Shimla was completely destroyed by a landslide as a result of the intense rain. As the rescue effort is in progress, there are reports of 9 people having died in this accident. On a significant day during the Sawan month, a large number of devotees gathered at the shrine to offer prayers. JCB machines are being used to remove debris as part of the rescue operation, which also involves the SDRF, ITBP, police, and local residents.

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What led to this destruction? 

Typically, Himachal Pradesh gets 11 mm of rain during this month. Surprisingly, 50.3 mm of rain fell in 24 hours, from 8.30 a.m. on Sunday to 8.30 a.m. today. Five times as much rain fell in Himachal Pradesh as usual. Similar to Uttarakhand, which usually gets 14.2 mm of rain this month, 52.9 mm of rain fell there between 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and 8:30 a.m. today.

In other words, Uttarakhand received about 4 times as much rain in 24 hours (273 percent) than usual.

Forecast for the next two days

The next two days will be very rainy in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, according to the meteorological department. Considering the rain, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have issued a red alert for today, August 14. However, on August 15, there is some ease for Himachal Pradesh, while Orange Alert has been issued for Uttarakhand.

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Red alert means to exercise caution and adhere to the rules because there may be heavy rain. Orange Alert denotes the need for preparation because there may be heavy rain. Rain should be avoided by taking precautions.

Since a red alert has been issued for the entirety of Himachal Pradesh, the situation is primarily anticipated to get worse in the seven districts of Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, and Shimla. In addition, an orange alert has been issued in certain districts, including Chamba and Kullu.

Although Dehradun, Tehri, and Pauri Garhwal districts in Uttarakhand are also on red alert, residents there should exercise greater caution. The Meteorological Department advises that districts like Haridwar, Nainital, and Champawat take precautions in response to the Orange Alert.