Shimla: A massive landslide struck the Bothwell area near Sanjauli College in the capital of Himachal Pradesh early on Saturday morning, triggering widespread panic among local residents and leaving several homes in immediate danger.

The landslip occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. whilst most inhabitants were asleep. Although no casualties have been reported, the incident has raised urgent fears regarding the safety of families residing in the immediate vicinity.

Officials and local residents stated that the hillside gave way along the road leading to Sanjauli College following the collapse of a retaining wall beneath the highway. The resulting debris and loose earth cascaded downhill towards residential properties situated below, blocking the access paths to multiple houses.

Neighbours noted that at least three to four buildings are currently within the danger zone, amid concerns that further shifting of the soil could cause a major catastrophe if preventative steps are not taken immediately.

Shortly after the collapse, frightened families rushed out of their properties and spent several hours waiting in the rain for help. Residents reported that after they repeatedly contacted emergency services, police personnel arrived at the scene and advised families to leave their homes as a precaution. However, many affected citizens expressed frustration, stating they had no alternative accommodation and were left unsure where to seek shelter.

Locals also alleged that they attempted to contact various public representatives, including the local councillor, member of the legislative assembly (MLA), and the mayor, from early morning. They claimed their telephone calls went unanswered, and no elected officials visited the site. The community has urged the district administration to deploy immediate relief, guarantee public safety, and take swift action to halt further degradation of the slope.

Furthermore, residents alleged that the local Municipal Corporation had previously authorised a private construction project in the area that required substantial excavation of the hillside. They argued that continuous rainfall over recent days weakened the cut slope, ultimately causing the failure. The community has demanded an immediate halt to the building work and called for a detailed geological assessment of the terrain.

The incident has brought back memories of a comparable landslide at the exact same site on 28 June 2025, when mud and large boulders crashed into residential properties, trapping a number of women and children. With the monsoon season only just beginning, residents expressed anxiety that more slopes could fail unless authorities implement swift and efficient preventative measures.

IANS