Tragic Landslide in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh Leads to Reported Kashmir Casualties
A devastating landslide in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, has resulted in the feared loss of at least seven lives, according to officials. The landslide struck the mountainous area on Thursday, prompting a massive rescue operation to save those trapped beneath the debris.
The victims are believed to be residents of Tulail in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. They were working as laborers in Himachal Pradesh when the disaster struck. Officials are actively working to recover more victims and provide aid to the affected families.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his sadness over the tragedy. His office stated that the government is in touch with local authorities in Kullu and providing all possible help during this difficult time.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been deployed to the site. They reported that the landslide caused the collapse of two houses, trapping around 12 to 13 people. NDRF teams are conducting search and rescue operations—so far rescuing three injured persons and recovering one body. Efforts to find and help the remaining victims continue to this day.
This landslide comes amid ongoing heavy rains and floods hitting Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, both regions suffered severe natural disasters. In Jammu and Kashmir, a cloudburst in Chashoti village, Kishtwar district, on August 14 killed 67 people and injured over 100. Most of the victims were pilgrims on the spiritual Machail Mata Yatra.
Just two weeks later, on August 26, a deadly landslide in Reasi district’s Trikuta Hills killed at least 35 pilgrims near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Many pilgrims had already returned to Katra after the Yatra was suspended, but some were taking shelter on the route when the tragedy occurred. The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an investigation into what caused this recent landslide on the pilgrimage route.
Rescue efforts continue as officials work to assist those affected by the multiple natural calamities in the region. The disasters highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy rains and landslides, emphasizing the need for better disaster preparedness.
