Mandi: Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and current Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur had a narrow escape on Saturday evening after a sudden landslide struck near Shankar Dehra while he was returning from the rain-battered Karsog area to Thunag in the Seraj region.
A now-viral video shows Thakur sprinting to safety alongside members of his team as rocks and debris cascade down the hillside, narrowly missing his vehicle. The incident occurred around 5 PM when a sudden rockfall hit his convoy, damaging one of the vehicles, as per the reports. Acting swiftly, Thakur exited the car moments before it was struck, avoiding injury.
Shortly after this close call, a larger landslide hit the Dharwar Thach area, damaging several houses and washing away a significant portion of the road. Traffic in the region has been brought to a standstill, adding to the growing chaos as relentless rains continue to lash the state.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning, forecasting heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid travel in vulnerable hilly regions and stay updated with official advisories.
Emergency response teams are on the ground, conducting rescue and evacuation operations. However, progress is slow due to continuous rainfall and challenging terrain. The ongoing monsoon has already caused widespread destruction, with the state reporting 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 17 major landslides this season. At least 90 people have lost their lives, including 56 in rain-related incidents alone.
In a statement after the incident, Thakur thanked his supporters for their concern and urged the government to intensify relief efforts. “This is a time for unity and action, not politics,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and welfare of the people. As the monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, the administration remains on high alert, with more rain expected in the coming days.
Also Read: New Claims Suggest Tennis Player Radhika Yadav’s Murder Was Pre-Meditated, Says Close Friend