Heavy rains trigger landslides, floods in Kangra district

Moderate to heavy rain lashed Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas of Kangra district on Wednesday morning, causing widespread damage and major disruptions. The rain, which began around 3 am, was continuing at the time of filing of this report.

A massive landslide struck the Dharamsala–McLeodganj Khada Danda road near the Delek Hospital run by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, completely halting traffic. The Dharamsala-McLeodganj bypass road had already been closed for heavy vehicles due to earlier subsidence.

On National Highway-503 near Dhaliara, three shops were damaged. Officials of the revenue department inspected the site to assess the losses. In Nurpur subdivision, a portion of a house collapsed in Charudi village following incessant rains. The Baijnath-Deol road was also rendered impassable by landslides.

The Barot-Ghatasani main road, which links Chhota Bhangal with Chauhar valley, was blocked at Shilhaswad after a massive tree fell. It was later cleared with a JCB. The Multhan-Lohardi road was also reopened after many hours but it was still vulnerable to landslides.

On the other hand, at least 17 panchayats of Indora subdivision were facing the duty of floods in the aftermath of the release of water from the Pong Dam and swelling of the Beas river.

The district administration has closed all educational institutes including the anganwadi centres till August 22 as a precautionary measure keeping in view the floods.