Shimla, Mar 15 (UNI) A massive landslide occurred on the Urei-Sambara road in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday morning, bringing vehicular movement to a halt.
Fortunately, no vehicles were caught in the debris as the hillside collapsed, averting a potential disaster. However, the newly constructed bridge in the area suffered damage due to the landslide, raising concerns about the safety of the route.
The incident took place around 10:30 AM when a portion of the hillside gave way, causing debris to fall onto the road.
Assistant Engineer Bhal Chand of the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed the incident and stated that teams were immediately dispatched to assess the situation and initiate repair work. The landslide has disrupted traffic, and authorities are working to clear the debris and restore normalcy.
The Urei-Sambara route is crucial for connectivity in the region, and the damage to the bridge has added to the challenges faced by locals, especially in the wake of heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of hilly terrains to landslides, particularly during the winter months when snow and rain exacerbate the instability of slopes.
Meanwhile, in the tribal area of Pangi, another incident underscored the difficulties faced by residents due to heavy snowfall. A 37-year-old man, Sham Singh, fell from the roof of his two-story house while removing snow on Friday evening.
The incident occurred in Puton village, near Kilad, the headquarters of Pangi. Singh lost his balance and fell two floors, sustaining injuries. Due to the heavy snow and blocked roads, locals carried him in a palanquin for six kilometres to reach the nearest road.
From there, he was transported by vehicle to the Civil Hospital in Kilard, where he received initial treatment before being referred to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for further care.
The family has requested the Pangi administration to arrange for a helicopter to airlift the patient, as road conditions remain treacherous.
The heavy snowfall has made transportation extremely challenging, and residents are relying on traditional methods like palanquins to navigate the snow-covered terrain.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during this period of adverse weather. Efforts are underway to restore connectivity and provide necessary assistance to those affected by the landslides and snowfall.
Shimla and the nearby area were lashed by heavy rainfall and wind and hailstorms, disrupting power supply in the capital towns and other places.
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