Team finds hillside highly unstable, alerts villagers of Shalwad valley to potential flash floods and debris flow during monsoon

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of relentless heavy rainfall. A significant landslide near the Shalwad stream, situated behind Shalwad village in the Sainj valley, has raised fresh concerns of a possible calamity in the area. Following a thorough survey of the site, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has put local villagers on alert.

According to the team, should a cloudburst strike the Shalwad stream in the days ahead, it could unleash flash floods, large volumes of debris and falling rocks across the village and neighbouring localities, with the potential to cause large-scale destruction. Villagers have been urged to remain especially vigilant.

During its assessment, the SDRF team observed that the terrain surrounding the stream had turned notably fragile and prone to further collapse. Officials met with residents and advised them to exercise heightened caution through the monsoon months. They were told to steer clear of streams, slopes affected by landslides, and other high-risk zones whenever rainfall intensifies, and to head to safer ground without delay if conditions turn dangerous.

The SDRF further requested that villagers strictly adhere to safety guidelines put out by the district administration and disaster management authorities. It called on them to alert officials and relevant agencies the moment they notice any signs of landslides, rising water levels, or other emerging threats, allowing rescue and relief efforts to be mobilised quickly and minimising harm to life and property.

The SDRF confirmed that it is keeping the Shalwad stream and the broader region under constant watch, with the safety of residents remaining its foremost concern.