Shiv Temple Collapses in Rain-Hit Shimla: 9 Dead, Several Injured; CM to Inspect Site
Written by Sanjay Kumar
Following heavy rainfall on Monday (August 14), a Shiv temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, collapsed, resulting in the unfortunate death of nine individuals, as reported by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sikhu. The temple, situated in the Summer Hill area, was also the site of a potential landslide, which has raised concerns of dozens being trapped. In response, the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have initiated rescue operations.
The temple collapse occurred during a gathering of devotees who had come together to offer prayers on the occasion of Sawan. Approximately 50 people were present at the temple when the tragic incident unfolded.
The local administration is actively engaged in efforts to clear the debris, aiming to rescue any individuals who might still be trapped beneath it. Chief Minister Sikhu emphasized the diligent nature of these efforts.
Scheduled to personally assess the situation, the chief minister will be visiting the location of the temple collapse.
In light of the relentless 48-hour rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sikhu addressed the rising water levels of the Beas River and the resulting fatalities from rain-related incidents. The Shiv temple collapse claimed nine lives, and the chief minister expressed his intention to visit the site while acknowledging the dedication of all officials involved in the ongoing rescue operations.
In a separate incident, a cloudburst wreaked havoc in Jadon village, Solan, claiming the lives of seven individuals. Occurring late on Sunday night, the incident led to the rescue of six individuals.
The past 24 hours of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh led to severe landslides that blocked various roads, including the significant Shimla-Chandigarh road, which was consequently inaccessible to buses and trucks. To mitigate further risks, the state has announced the temporary closure of all schools and colleges until August 14.
Chakki Mor near Koti in Solan witnessed the stranding of numerous heavy vehicles due to continuous sliding on the road throughout the day on Sunday.
Crops, fertile land, and official and private buildings across Hamirpur have been extensively damaged by the rains and landslides. In response, the district administration has cautioned residents against venturing near the Beas River bank and nullahs.
The local Meteorological (MeT) station has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas from August 14 to 17. The forecast predicts a wet weather pattern persisting in the state until August 19.
