Rain-weakened structures collapse in Kullu; evacuation prevents casualties

In a startling event last week, eight multi-storey buildings situated on a hillside in Anni, part of Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, tumbled down one after the other, evoking visuals of falling dominoes. This incident, occurring around 9.30 am, raised a dense dust cloud and created alarming noises of collapsing debris.

Thankfully, tragedy was averted as local authorities had wisely evacuated these edifices, most of which were less than ten years old, located in Kiran Bazaar near the Anni bus stand, by August 15. Their decision followed the appearance of cracks in these structures—four commercial complexes housing shops and banks, and four residential buildings—after persistent heavy downpours.

Contrastingly, an adjacent two-storey traditional wooden house faced minimal damage, prompting discussions on the appropriateness of construction materials suited for the region. Kullu's Deputy Commissioner, Ashutosh Garg, upon inspecting the scene, disclosed the potential evacuation of more neighbouring buildings, as two among them have been marked as precarious.

The state's Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, utilizing social media platforms, broadcasted the devastation's footage and implored citizens to desert similarly unstable structures. According to local sources, the ground below Anni market began succumbing to the pressure exerted by the structures.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, many point fingers at this season's unusually intense monsoon showers. It's well-documented that excessive water infiltration into the soil can instigate landslides or cave-ins. The state's vulnerable topography was further highlighted as numerous homes positioned on mountainsides and water edges slid into canyons and turbulent rivers throughout this rainy season. Additionally, some locals blame improper drainage systems in Anni for the disaster.

In conclusion, the Kullu district collapse underlines the pressing need for reinforced construction norms in vulnerable terrains, proper drainage systems, and proactive administrative measures to safeguard lives and property during extreme weather events.

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Rain-weakened structures collapse in Kullu; evacuation prevents casualties

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