Weather Update: Heavy Rainfall to Continue in Himachal Pradesh, UP, Bihar for Next 4-5 Days

Weather in India: According to the Indian Meteorological Department, fairly widespread to widespread rain over northeastern states, east Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar are likely for the next 4-5 days.  Meanwhile thunderstorm along with heavy lightning is expected at isolated places over UP, MP and Bihar on 12 August.

The IMD has said that subdued rainfall activities are likely over the plains of north-west India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan), adjoining central India and most parts of Peninsular India (outside Tamil Nadu and Kerala), including Maharashtra & Gujarat state.

Landslide in Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district has witnessed another deadly landslide incident on Wednesday (11 Aug 2021). As per reports, many vehicles including a Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus reportedly carrying passengers got buried under the debris. Police informed that more than 50 people were feared buried in this major landslide that occurred over a larger stretch on the National Highway 5 near Nigulsari, 61 km from Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was going to Haridwar from Rekong Peo via Shimla and there was no official confirmation about the number of passengers on the bus.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told reporters in Shimla that he guided the Kinnaur administration to speed up relief & rescue operations. "As per the information available so far, 50-60 people might be trapped there. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) has been summoned for rescuing the people," he said.

Reason of the Rising Number of Himalayan Landslides:

• Rockslides and Landslides refer to the downward movement of debris and rocks and are a common occurrence in steep mountain terrains. There are numerous reasons that can trigger a landslide, the most common reason in this region is heavy rainfall resulting surge in the groundwater level, leading to a built-up of shear stress within a slope. 

• Recent research highlights that this region is prone to a whopping 15% of the rainfall-induced landslides in the world. Geologically, Himalayas are young mountain- ranges with relatively weaker rock structures as compared to other mountains in the country. 

• Research also indicates that these vulnerable steep slopes are more prone to landslides and the risk is often increased by activities such as road construction & widening, infrastructural developments, increase in human settlements, deforestation and changes in agriculture patterns.

Isolated heavy rainfall has been witnessed in parts of Himachal Pradesh during last few days. The state has been put under a Yellow Watch (meaning ‘be updated’) for the upcoming 5 days till August 15, due to the probability of consistent heavy rainfall in isolated areas.