Shimla/ Una: In a tragic incident today, 11 members of a marriage party lost their lives when their vehicle skidded off the Mahliwal Una road and plunged into a flooded river in Una district.
8 bodies have been retrieved in rescue operation by Una police and administration.
The relentless monsoon rains have been pounding Himachal Pradesh, with a very heavy rain alert already issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority and the state government for August 12.
The situation is dire across the state, with heavy rains reported in most districts, including Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Chamba, Sirmaur, and Solan.
Authorities have advised travelers to avoid journeys to Kinnaur, as the road beyond Khaap has been blocked due to flash floods.
The Sutlej River, after flowing from Khab where it meets the Baspa River, is now dangerously above the danger mark. Dam at Khaab has opened its floodgates sounding alert downstream.
In Shimla district, almost all the nallas and khads are swollen due to the continuous downpour since 3 AM today, leading to floods and extensive damage to roads, infrastructure, apple orchards, and Jal Shakti supply schemes.
The Kullu-Chandigarh-Kullu-Manali highway is also blocked at 9 Mile, where a mudslide has stranded vehicles for over 10 hours.
IMD and Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has sounded an alert of very heavy rains for August 12, urging everyone to stay off the roads as long as the rains continue.
The monsoon's fury is in full swing, and the situation remains extremely dangerous. Stay safe and stay updated.