Ten persons, including those stranded at Manimahesh trek, have been killed in landslides, stoning, or drowning since August 24 in Chamba, officials said on Friday. Eight persons have sustained injuries and four went missing after landslides wrecked several places in the district.
The IMD, Shimla, on Friday issued a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall between August 29 and September 2. It has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur and Una districts for the next 18 hours. An IMD weather bulletin mentioned:
“Due to western disturbance, monsoon activity, and other favorable weather conditions, the state is likely to witness widespread showers, with some districts facing the risk of very heavy rainfall.”
Chamba’s Additional District Magistrate Amit Mishra said: “Seven persons died, eight sustained injuries, while nine are still missing in parts of Chamba since August 24. Majority of the main roads in the district still remain blocked.”
Satellite phones and police wireless were the only mode of communication for the past three days, he said, adding mobile networks have been restored in most parts now except Bharmaur.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who reached Chamba, said: “Our priority is to open the road so that the people stranded in Bharmaur could go home. Roads would be opened on a war footing and in case it required time, people would be airlifted.”
