Himachal Rain Fury: HP University Suspends Teaching Activities Till Aug 19, Library Closed Till 20th

Owing to the severe rainfall in the state, the HP University has suspended all teaching activities till August 19, 2023.

HP University Suspends Teaching Activities Till August 19 Amid Heavy Rainfall (Representational Image)

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The Himachal Pradesh University has suspended all teaching activities till August 19, and has closed the University Library till August 20. The move from the university administration comes in the backdrop of incessant rainfalls in the state causing severe damage to life and property. The university announced the suspension of teaching activities through an official notification today. 

“Due to torrential rains, various landslides, blockage of roads and keeping in view the safety and security of students, the Vice-Chancellor has ordered that the teaching activities in H.P. University will remain suspended till 19-08-2023. The H.P. University Library shall also remain closed up to 20-08-2023. The teaching and non-teaching staff will continue to attend University as usual,” the notification reads.

Notably, the event spree of incessant rainfall in different parts of Himachal Pradesh have wreaked havoc in the state. The heavy rainfalls washed away bridges and parts of several highways, and also led to landslides in certain areas. Owing to the fury, several roads in Mandi, Shimla, and Bilaspur had to be closed for vehicular traffic. 

Following the advent of monsoon rains on June 24, Himachal Pradesh has reported losses of Rs 6,807 crore, alongside 255 deaths in rain-related incidents and accidents. Following the severe rainfall, the state government directed all schools and colleges in the state to remain closed on August 14, 2023. On August 13, the Himachal Pradesh University also cancelled the ongoing postgraduate examinations for various PG courses scheduled to be held on August 14, 2023. 

The recent rains and landslides triggered by cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh have claimed over 50 lives, with the final toll expected to shoot up even higher. “Around 55 people have lost their lives in the state till now. The death toll might go up. Restoration work is being done on a war footing. Chandigarh-Shimla 4-lane highway along with other arterial roads has been opened," CM Sukhu said,” Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Sukhu said on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. In the backdrop of rain-triggered devastation in various parts of the state, alongside Yellow alert in parts of the state, the state government also muted celebrations to mark the independendce day.