SHIMLA: In the wake of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, unsettling incidents have unfolded. Around 20 individuals are apprehended to be trapped beneath debris in two separate landslides in the capital city of Shimla, according to Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi's statement on Monday. Ongoing efforts are focused on rescuing those stranded underneath the rubble.

Tragic outcomes have already materialized. A cloudburst incident in Jadon village of Kandaghat subdivision, Solan, led to the loss of five lives, with three individuals still unaccounted for. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kandaghat, Siddhartha Acharya, conveyed these unfortunate details.

Persistent torrential rains over the last 24 hours have triggered landslides, causing extensive road closures and damage. The Shimla-Chandigarh road has been rendered inaccessible to buses and trucks due to adverse weather conditions.

Landslides have also taken a toll on a temple, raising concerns about the safety of nearby structures. Shimla's Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, noted that this incident has left several individuals stranded.

Responding to the unyielding rainfall, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took the decision to suspend all educational institutions from August 13 to August 14 across the state, acknowledging the need for caution and safety.

The Chief Minister's Office expressed profound sorrow upon learning about the tragic cloud burst in Village Jadon, Dhawla Sub-Tehsil in Solan District, which resulted in the loss of seven lives. Heartfelt condolences were extended to the grieving families.

Rural areas have not been spared from the ongoing landslides' effects. Villages like Ghomu and Jawali in the Sarkaghat area of Mandi district have borne the brunt of damage to agricultural lands and homes. Mandi SP Soumya Sambsivan, who conducted assessments in the affected regions, shared this information.

Since the advent of the monsoon on June 24, Himachal Pradesh has endured substantial losses, totaling Rs. 7,020 crore ($945 million), alongside a reported count of 257 fatalities from rain-related incidents and road accidents.

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