Heart-Wrenching Landslides Strike Himachal Pradesh, Causing Multiple Homes to Crumble

Heavy rainfall on the outskirts of Shimla in August 2023 damaged a section of the historic Shimla-Kalka railway track in Himachal Pradesh. (Source: VOA News)

Several videos of horrifying landslides in Himachal have gone viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, making people reflect on the catastrophic circumstances. While many regions across the country have witnessed below-average rainfall this month, Himachal Pradesh stands out with exceptionally heavy precipitation.

As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the state received a significant surplus in precipitation (71%), receiving 437.5mm of actual rainfall in the month of July, compared to the expected normal rainfall of 255.9mm.The most recent episode of heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh has led to flash floods in Mandi and triggered landslides in Shimla.

According to media reports, over 361 individuals have tragically lost their lives as a result of rainfall this year, more than 2000 homes have been entirely demolished, while approximately 10,000 residences and 300 shops have sustained varying degrees of damage.

The consequences of this are spreading to other northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, Haryana, and adjacent territories, where sporadic rain is also being observed.

But, what is causing the record-breaking rains in HP this year?

The Beas River overflows due to ongoing rains in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

According to the recent IMD report, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the western Himalayan area had an isolated round of very high rainfall on August 22nd and 23rd, 2023.

This was linked to the passage of a Western Disturbance (WD) during the time, as well as the input of additional moisture from the Arabian Sea. This resulted in a well-defined wind pattern at lower altitudes, resulting in adverse conditions that had a considerable impact on these states.

Cumulative rainfall from 1st June, 2023 to 25th August, 2023

Source: IMD (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/responsive/rainfallinformation_state.php?msg=C)

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Western Disturbances (WD):

Western Disturbances are extratropical storm systems that form in the Mediterranean region and migrate eastward across the northern Indian subcontinent.

It has an impact on bringing significant rainfall to low-lying regions and snowfall to mountainous areas of the Indian Subcontinent.

Excessive rainfall caused by this occurrence can cause crop damage, landslides, floods, and avalanches.

Refer https://mausam.imd.gov.in/srinagar/img/wd.pdf

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Furthermore, it is critical to note that this calamity also holds a human element, as the massive influx of tourists in Himachal Pradesh has considerably altered local weather conditions. The surge in industrial activities has resulted in the destabilization of roads and land, contributing to the occurrence of landslides and the destruction of roadways.

To address this matter, the Supreme Court has appointed a committee to investigate environmental problems in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and other Himalayan states. Environmental, hydrology, ecology, and climate studies experts from government institutions will assess the “carrying capacity” of these places, which have been hit by natural calamities like as landslides and flash floods.

IMD Weather Updates

The latest IMD report forecasts the likelihood of light to moderately widespread rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning with isolated heavy rainfall, across Northeast India over the next 4-5 days.

There's also a possibility of isolated severe downpours occurring, particularly over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam & Meghalaya on August 26 and 27.