In pictures: Heavy rains, landslides wreak havoc in Shimla

Overnight downpour in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla caused widespread damage and panic among the residents in the city. Several areas witnessed landslides, trees and electricity polls were uprooted.

The city recorded 141 mm of rainfall since Monday night. Although, no casualties were recorded, one person was severely injured.

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Authorities evacuated 25 people from their houses in the affected areas.

Landslides blocked a national highway, causing major traffic jams in the city, creating chaos amongst the citizens.

Morning travelers like students and office workers were stuck for hours.

Giant trees fell on several houses near Hotel Himland early Wednesday morning when the occupants were sleeping.

Residents in the area said that trees slammed through their walls and windows, damaging everything.

The situation became worse in the evening when another landslide hit Panthaghati.

It was a thunderous crash that woke me up,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “It felt like the entire mountain was collapsing on us. The trees just gushed inside and destroyed everything in their path,” said another.

Officials rushed to the area to assess the damage and help the affected people.