Massive landslide strikes National Highway in Himachal Pradeshs Kinnaur, incident caught on camera
According to local reports, the area has been witnessing frequent landslides over the past several days, and the latest event is among the most severe.
PTC News Desk: A massive landslide struck National Highway-5 (NH-5) near the Nathpa Dam in Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. The incident was caught on camera displaying scale of devastation as rocks and rubble crash into the dam.
According to local reports, the area has been witnessing frequent landslides over the past several days, and the latest event is among the most severe.
The falling boulders and debris pose a significant disruption in the operations of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydropower Project, one of India's largest hydroelectric power stations.
The natural calamity has also disrupted traffic on National Highway 5, a key route connecting parts of Himachal Pradesh to neighbouring states. The commuters have been advised to take alternate route and avoid the strech in view of the landslide as clearing operations are expected to take significant time given the intensity of the destruction.
The ongoing monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh has caused widespread devastation, with 355 deaths reported this season, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of these, 194 were due to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, lightning, and other weather-linked causes, while 161 resulted from road accidents.
Continuous heavy rains in Kinnaur district have triggered frequent landslides, repeatedly blocking National Highway-5 and severely impacting travel and daily life for locals.
On September 2, a massive landslide occurred near Wangtu, damaging five vehicles parked along the roadside, The Tribune reported. Large boulders tumbled down the slope, obstructing the highway and crushing the vehicles. Fortunately, the drivers, who were resting inside at the time, managed to escape unharmed.