Shocking Landslide in Sirmaur District Caught on Camera
On May 30, 2025, a dramatic landslide struck Shillai village in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The incident occurred along National Highway 707, where a family traveling in a car narrowly escaped a deadly cascade of falling boulders. The heart-stopping moment, captured on video, shows massive rocks crashing onto the road just seconds after their car sped past. The footage quickly went viral, sparking renewed concern about travel safety in the hilly terrain.
Miraculously, there were no injuries or fatalities in this specific incident. However, the event underscores a much deeper, recurring problem in the state—frequent landslides triggered by natural and man-made causes.
Heavy Rain and Weather Alerts Continue
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for several districts in Himachal Pradesh for May 31 and June 1, predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible flash floods. Districts like Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba are at particular risk.
These weather patterns are contributing to a higher probability of landslides, especially in areas with already unstable terrain. Travelers and residents alike have been asked to stay indoors, avoid steep roads, and monitor official weather advisories.
Road Closures and Infrastructure Impact
The landslide at Shillai led to a temporary closure of National Highway 707, a key route linking remote villages to larger towns. Clearance operations by the Public Works Department are ongoing. In recent months, other vital routes, including the Chandigarh–Manali Highway, have also seen partial or full closures due to similar incidents.
In previous landslide-related events in the state, entire stretches of highway have been washed away or buried under debris, leading to major delays in tourism and logistics. Travelers are advised to consult the Himachal Pradesh Police or HPSDMA travel updates before setting off on any journey.
Human Toll and Long-Term Impact
While no one was injured in the May 30 incident, Himachal Pradesh has a troubling record with landslides. In August 2023, over 330 lives were lost during heavy monsoon-triggered landslides across the state. Villages were cut off, homes collapsed, and over 10,000 buildings were damaged.
Experts blame a combination of climate change, unregulated tourism, and haphazard construction. Towns like Manali, Shimla, and Kullu have seen a construction boom without corresponding environmental safeguards, destabilizing hillsides and increasing the risk of slope failures.
A recent IIT Ropar report stated that nearly 50% of Himachal Pradesh is prone to landslides, floods, or avalanches, making it one of the most disaster-vulnerable states in India.
Government Action and Emergency Response
The Himachal Pradesh government has responded by:
Declaring the entire state a “Natural Calamity Affected Area” (as of 2023), to allow better access to relief funds.
Deploying the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to monitor and act in at-risk zones.
Setting up weather alert systems and drone surveillance for early detection of slope instability.
Suspending tourism activity temporarily in some high-risk areas.
The SDRF, established in 2020, is a specialized emergency unit trained to handle situations like landslides, earthquakes, and floods. Their proactive deployment in 2025 has helped minimize loss of life during recent events.
Travel Advisory for Tourists
If you're planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh in the coming weeks, here's what you need to know:
✅ Check weather and road conditions daily via https://hpsdma.nic.in or the Himachal Pradesh Police Twitter handle.
🚫 Avoid travel during heavy rain, especially in remote or high-altitude areas.
🚧 Do not drive at night in mountainous areas where rockfall risk is higher and visibility is lower.
📍 Stay in areas with stable internet and mobile coverage to maintain communication during emergencies.
🧭 Inform your hotel or local host of your daily travel plans and check in regularly.
🧳 Carry emergency kits including water, dry food, basic medicines, power banks, and a flashlight.
🕐 Keep buffer days in your itinerary for unexpected delays caused by roadblocks or weather events.
Note: The state government may issue sudden travel suspensions or red alerts. Always confirm with local authorities or tourism departments.
Long-Term Outlook: Is Travel Safe?
Himachal Pradesh remains one of India’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. However, the increasing frequency of landslides, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon months (May–September), requires travelers to be more informed and prepared than ever.
By choosing responsible tour operators, following local advisories, and avoiding risky areas during adverse weather, tourists can continue to explore this Himalayan gem safely.
Final Thoughts
The May 30 landslide near Shillai serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between tourism and nature in Himachal Pradesh. With improved government response and responsible travel behavior, the region can remain both beautiful and safe.