Four dead, two hurt in landslides caused by heavy rain in Chamba

Continuous heavy rain claimed the lives of four people in separate landslide incidents in Chamba in the past 24 hours. Two others sustained serious injuries and were brought to hospital after an arduous journey on foot.

In the first incident, a brother and sister lost their lives in the Basodhan panchayat near the district headquarters. According to local sources, the duo had stepped out to witness a landslide occurring close to their house when they were buried under the debris. Despite efforts by villagers to rescue them, both were found dead on the spot.

In another incident, four women were caught in a landslide in the Bhimla panchayat under the Mehla development block. The women were reportedly engaged in work near their homes when boulders began tumbling down the hillside. Two of them died on the spot while the other two sustained critical injuries.

The injured women were given first aid at the local level and they were then brought on a cot to the government medical college and hospital at Chamba on foot. Since, the roads were blocked, they had no option other than to carry the injured women on a cot on foot.

Meanwhile, mobile phone and internet services have been snapped and all roads leading to Chamba have been blocked by landslides.

A major portion of Haloon village was submerged after the Ravi river swelled due to incessant rainfall. At least nine houses had been washed away, and several others were at risk.

The local authorities said these houses were evacuated well in time; therefore, no casualty was reported from this village.

As per the social media reports, soil erosion caused by the strong current of the river water has nearly destroyed half the village.

As per the social media reports, soil erosion caused by the strong current of the river water has nearly destroyed half the village.

The situation in Dalhousie was also alarming, with local MLA DS Thakur reporting six cloudburst incidents in a single day. Over 50 houses were now under threat, while electricity, water supply and mobile connectivity had been disrupted for the past two days, compounding the hardships of locals.

In Bhramaur as well, mobile networks were down for two days, said the BJP MLA Janak Raj, adding that even the district administration was struggling to establish contacts for rescue and restoration works. There were fears that devotees on the Mani Mahesh Yatra may have been stranded at a few locations. The district administration has requested the Army assistance to restore connectivity and aid in rescue operations.