Himachal's Monsoon Fury: Landslide Traps Two in Kullu Amidst Relentless Rains

The tranquil valleys of Himachal Pradesh have once again been gripped by monsoon fury, as a devastating landslide in the Kullu district's Anni sub-division has left two individuals feared trapped under a massive pile of debris. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, near the Bajuri area, when a vehicle was tragically caught beneath the cascading earth and rocks, leaving a community on edge and rescue teams in a desperate race against time.

As news of the catastrophe spread, a specialized team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was immediately mobilized and rushed to the site.

Their mission is fraught with peril, as the continuous rains and unstable terrain make the rescue operation incredibly challenging. Efforts are underway to clear the massive debris and locate the trapped individuals, with every passing moment amplifying the urgency of their task.

This latest tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the relentless monsoon's grip on the 'Dev Bhoomi' (Land of Gods).

Himachal Pradesh has been reeling under an intense spell of heavy rainfall, triggering numerous landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts across various districts. Roads have been blocked, vital infrastructure damaged, and daily life severely disrupted, painting a picture of widespread distress.

Just a day prior, the region witnessed another harrowing landslide near the Riwali area of Mandi district, where a truck carrying essential supplies overturned due to the treacherous conditions.

Though no fatalities were reported in that incident, it underscored the precarious state of the state's roadways. The Himachal Pradesh Traffic, Tourist and Railways Police have been issuing continuous advisories, urging commuters to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel, especially on the perilous national and state highways.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has further intensified concerns by extending its 'orange' alert for heavy rainfall in several districts, including Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra, until August 25.

This grim forecast suggests that the worst may not be over, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for further weather-related disruptions. As rescue teams battle against the elements in Kullu, the entire state watches with bated breath, hoping for a miracle amidst the monsoon's relentless wrath.