18 Dead as Landslides and Intense Rains Lash Himachal and Uttarakhand; Rescue Efforts Underway

Cloudbursts and Landslides Cause Widespread Devastation

Rivers overflowed, homes collapsed, roads were blocked, and vehicles were swallowed as fresh bouts of rain lashed the Himalayan states. The devastation comes while locals are still recovering from last month’s flood fury.

Uttarakhand: 15 Dead, Hundreds Stranded

• 15 people killed, 16 missing after overnight rainfall.
• More than 900 people stranded and later rescued by NDRF, SDRF, and fire brigade teams.
• Dehradun district worst affected — 13 fatalities, including eight from Moradabad swept away by River Tons in Vikasnagar.
• CM Yogi Adityanath announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for families of the deceased.
• 400–500 stranded students at Devbhoomi Institute in Paundha rescued.
• Nainital and Pithoragarh reported one death each.
• The Ganga and Yamuna rivers flowing near warning levels; River Tamsa near danger mark.
• Heavy rain alerts for Dehradun, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar until September 20.

Himachal Pradesh: Landslides and Flash Floods

• Mandi district: A Landslide destroyed a house in Bragta village, killing two women and a child.
• Dharampur: Flash floods swept cars and flooded the main bus stand, causing losses worth crores.
• Shimla: Landslides buried cars near Himland and choked the main circular road, cutting off the city.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds reported in Jubbarhatti, Kangra, Bhuntar, Murari Devi, and Sundernagar.
• Bilaspur and Kufri recorded wind speeds of up to 37 kmph.

Political Reactions and Relief Efforts

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed immediate relief to affected families. BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticized the Congress-led government, saying, “Prime Minister Modi is doing a lot for Himachal Pradesh, but the inaction of the Congress government is raising questions.”

The rain fury struck just a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aerial survey of Himachal Pradesh and the announcement of a Rs 1,500 crore aid package.

Monsoon Death Toll in Himachal Pradesh

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, official records show that at least 236 people have died in Himachal Pradesh due to landslides, floods, and rain-related incidents.

Stay updated on Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh floods, landslides, and rescue efforts as authorities continue to respond to the monsoon crisis.