Being in seismic zone IV and highly vulnerable to landslides, Shimla saw over 115 houses and buildings suffering damage or collapsing during recent incessant rains, with experts attributing it to water saturation in soil, construction on drains, seepage and overburdening of hills. About 46 people have died in rain-related incidents in Shimla district this Monsoon and the losses in the district have touched Rs 1,286 crore, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi said.

Principal Scientific Officer, Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE) S S Randhawa said that after the snow season, there was virtually no summer season and the rainy season immediately followed that aggravated the situation as there was no break for moisture in the soil to dry. “We have disturbed the natural balance of nature. The present situation is the result of our collective failure and we need to own it,” said former state chief architect Nand Kishore Negi.