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Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: Intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and frequent landslides have significantly impacted daily activities in Himachal Pradesh, particularly affecting road connectivity across various districts. The Karsog region in Mandi has been one of the hardest hit, now entirely disconnected from the state capital, Shimla, after the primary Karsog-Tattapani-Shimla highway was washed away by the rising Sutlej river.

Over the past few days, heavy rains have caused rivers and streams throughout the state to swell to dangerous levels. The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert for heavy rainfall in several areas today, advising residents to stay away from water bodies.

The crucial Karsog-Shimla route, which runs through Tattapani, has become impassable due to landslides and sections of the road collapsing into the river. Torrential rains on Sunday submerged large portions of the road, and by Monday morning, significant segments had completely eroded, halting all vehicular traffic. Commuters are now forced to traverse the perilous terrain on foot.

Threat from Rising Sutlej Water Levels

Ongoing rainfall has resulted in a concerning increase in the Sutlej's water levels. The river's powerful current has caused severe erosion along the banks in Tattapani, completely obliterating stretches of the Karsog-Shimla highway. Consequently, the Karsog constituency is now entirely isolated from the state capital, with vehicle movement impossible and residents navigating the area on foot through landslide-prone paths.

Recently, the Sunni-Thali bridge was also swept away by the swollen Sutlej, severing a vital connection for residents of Thali and Shakra villages to reach Shimla. With the Tattapani road now destroyed, these villages are left completely cut off.

Shimla-Mandi Highway Closed Indefinitely

According to Shimla Deputy Commissioner Amit Kashyap, a section of the Shimla-Mandi highway has suffered extensive damage due to landslides and subsidence caused by the overflowing Sutlej. He noted that the road width at RD 51/555 has reduced to just 1.5 meters, rendering it unsafe for any vehicle traffic. As a result, this route has been closed to all vehicles until further notice. The alternate route via Thali bridge is also currently out of service.

The repercussions of this natural disaster extend beyond the Karsog constituency, impacting nearby villages in the Seraj and Nachan constituencies. Rescue and relief teams are facing significant logistical challenges in accessing these areas due to the damaged roads.

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