A major landslide struck the Bothwell area near Sanjauli College in Shimla early on Saturday, causing widespread damage, cutting off access routes and leaving several multi-storeyed buildings at risk. The landslide, which occurred at around 4 a.m., led to the collapse of a key retaining wall beneath the road, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from the affected buildings as a precaution. No casualties have been reported.

The incident triggered panic among residents as large volumes of debris tumbled down the hillside, compromising the structural stability of nearby buildings. Police advised occupants to vacate the vulnerable structures immediately, while emergency teams and the district administration began assessing the damage and initiating debris clearance operations.

Local residents alleged that the landslide was caused by extensive excavation linked to private construction on the hillside, which they claimed had weakened the slope. They further alleged that the construction work continued despite a Municipal Corporation ban on hill cutting during the monsoon season. Residents whose homes have been affected demanded immediate construction of a retaining wall and temporary protective measures, including tarpaulin coverings, to prevent further damage.

Also Read: Countries Introduce Laws To Ban Social Media Use For Children Under Safety Concerns

The location has witnessed similar incidents in the past. On June 28 last year, a landslide at the same site trapped several women and children under debris, highlighting the area's vulnerability during the monsoon. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed assessment to determine the cause of the latest landslide and evaluate the safety of nearby structures.

In another rain-related incident, a landslide in Rajhana village in Shimla district sent rocks, boulders and debris crashing onto a road, burying and damaging several parked vehicles. No injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the Sangla bridge, which connects Sangla with Chitkul in Kinnaur district, collapsed on Friday night after remaining under threat due to continuous heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across Himachal Pradesh and issued a yellow alert for Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts. The weather office has warned of waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion, slippery roads and temporary disruption of essential services. Residents have been advised to avoid landslide-prone areas, riverbanks and other vulnerable locations until weather conditions improve.

Also Read: Landslide Threat Prompts IMD Warning Across Shimla And Several Himachal Districts For Tourists