Kinnaur: Himachal CM says over 50 trapped in landslide; rescue ops underway

9 people rescued so far; NDRF, ITBP, CISF, police teams present at the spot

Over 40 people are feared buried under the debris of a major landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq said.

Sadiq told PTI that several vehicles, including a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus carrying over 40 passengers, are buried under the debris.

The bus was on its way from Reckong Peo in Kinnaur to Shimla, he said. "I've directed police and local administration to carry out rescue operations. NDRF has also been put on alert. We have received information that one bus and a car could have been hit; awaiting detailed information," said Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur on Kinnaur landslide incident.

4 people rescued so far and taken to hospital. NDRF, ITBP, CISF, police teams present at the spot. Efforts are on for rescue operation but rubbles are still dropping from height. As soon as it comes under control, rescue teams will get in action, added Thakur.

 

The Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local rescue teams have been called in for the rescue work, the Kinnaur deputy commissioner said.

Sadiq also said shooting stones are still falling which is creating problems in carrying out the rescue operation.

More details are awaited, he added.

ITBP personnel of 17th battalion, 19th battalion and 43rd battalion reach the landslide site on Reckong Peo-Shimla Highway near Nugulsari in Kinnaur

"4 vehicles including a bus and a truck reported trapped in the rubble. Casualties feared," said ITBP.

#WATCH | ITBP personnel rescue a man trapped in the debris of a landslide on Reckong Peo-Shimla Highway in Nugulsari area of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

As per the state govt's latest information, nine people have been rescued & one person has died. Search operation is underway pic.twitter.com/NZ46tpg1Se

— ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2021

"The landslide incident has taken place near Nigulsari. A bus is buried under the rubble there. Few cars and a truck are suspected to be trapped. The bus driver and one more person have been rescued. ITBP rescue teams are at the spot, operations have been hindered due to falling boulders," said Kinnaur MLA J S Negi.

50-60 people could be trapped in the debris following a landslide on a road in Nugulsari area of Kinnaur district. Four people, including driver and conductor, of the bus trapped in the debris have been rescued, said Thakur.

"PM Narendra Modi spoke to Thakur regarding the situation in the wake of the landslide in Kinnaur. PM assured all possible support in the ongoing rescue operations," said Prime Minister's Office.

Teams of Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF and police are on the spot for rescue operation. Sliding and shooting stones are continuing. The rescue teams are trying to start the rescue operation, said Thakur.

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, the CM added.

Around 200 jawans of 3 battalions of ITBP are at the spot where landslide is happening. The teams have been waiting for more than one hour for the shooting stones to stop. It is believed that around 40 people are trapped. The area is currently very dangerous, said ITBP spokesperson.