Landslide Hits Himachal, 40 Feared Buried As Some Vehicles Trapped Under Debris
Shimla: A major landslide was reported in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, due to which over 40 people are feared to be buried under the debris. Several vehicles, including a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus carrying over 40 passengers, are currently buried under the debris, an official said.
“As per the information available so far, 50-60 people might be trapped there. Union Home Minister called us and said that the state can immediately tell them of any help that is needed. Army has offered us all possible help, they want to join the operation. 4 people have been rescued so far and taken to hospital,” Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said.
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1425390462119018496?s=20
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) said rescue teams were on the ground but the operation could not be launched due to frequent landslides in the area.
Around 200 personnel of 3 battalions of ITBP are present where the landslide is taking place. The teams have been waiting for over an hour for the stone-pelting to stop. Around 40 people are feared trapped. ITBP spokesperson Vivek Pandey said that this area is very dangerous at this time.
The ITBP said that according to local police, a massive landslide occurred at around 12:15 pm near Nigulsari on National Highway 5. An HRTC bus and three other vehicles were buried under the debris.
“On getting the info a rescue party consisting of GO 4, SO 5 and ors 35 including medics left for rescue at 1245 hrs… party had already reached the spot but rescue couldn’t be started because of the continuous slide… CO 43 and others are also left for the incident site….another party Of 01-03- 32 FM 17 Bn has also moved for the loc,” an ITBP input said while adding that rescuers were trying to reach the trapped people from both sides.
The ITBP had earlier tweeted: “A landslide occurred on the Reckong Peo-Shimla highway in Kinnaur district today. One truck and one HRTC bus reportedly came under the rubble. Many people are reportedly trapped. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team has been rushed for rescue operations.”
https://twitter.com/ITBP_official/status/1425369406360616962?s=20
The incident comes days after nine tourists were killed and two other injured after heavy boulders fell on their tempo traveller after a massive landslide near Basteri in the Kinnaur district.
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