Preliminary assessment of series of landslides and related damage by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, India, during July 2023.

In July 2023, Himachal Pradesh, India experienced heavy rainfall that led to numerous landslides and significant damage. The affected districts of Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi were the hardest hit, with 223 fatalities, 1300 road closures, and extensive property damage. Factors contributing to the landslides included the intense rainfall, the area's geology and topography, and human activities such as unplanned construction and deforestation. The damage assessment is still ongoing, but initial reports indicate thousands of landslides, loss of life, injuries, and destruction of homes. Further investigations are needed to understand the slope characteristics and develop effective emergency plans to mitigate future impacts. [Extracted from the article]