Back-to-back landslides in Himachal’s Mandi and Kullu kill 7 and trap 2
Nature’s Fury Unleashed: Two Deadly Landslides in 24 Hours
Landslides Strike Mandi and Kullu – Himachal Pradesh is facing a serious natural disaster as back-to-back landslides have hit the districts of Mandi and Kullu. On Tuesday evening, a massive landslide struck Sundernagar in Mandi district, burying two houses and killing at least seven people, including women and children. Just hours later, another landslide hit the Akhara Bazaar area in Kullu, trapping two individuals a Kashmiri labourer and a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) jawan.
Both incidents were triggered by relentless monsoon rains, which have been pounding the region for weeks. The soil in the hilly terrain has become loose and unstable, making landslides more frequent and dangerous. Rescue teams, including the Indian Army, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are working around the clock to locate survivors and clear debris.
Rescue Operations: Brave Efforts Amid Harsh Conditions
In Mandi’s Sundernagar town, the landslide occurred late in the evening, collapsing two homes in the Jangambagh area. Rescue teams pulled out three bodies initially, and later recovered more, bringing the death toll to seven. One of the victims was a man riding a scooter who got caught in the debris. The operation is being led by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, who confirmed that four JCB machines and other heavy equipment have been deployed to speed up the search.
Meanwhile, in Kullu, the landslide hit around 7:30 AM near Akhara Bazaar, damaging a residential building and trapping two people under the rubble. District officials, including DC Torul S. Ravish and SP Kartikeyan Gokul Chandran, rushed to the site and have been supervising the rescue efforts. The operation continued through the night under floodlights, with emergency teams battling rain and unstable terrain.
Authorities have also evacuated 15 houses in Jogindernagar, near Mandi, as a precaution due to ongoing minor landslides.
Impact on Locals: Fear, Loss, and Displacement
The landslides have left families devastated. In Mandi, two families lost multiple members, and survivors are being treated for injuries. The local administration has announced financial aid of ₹7 lakh for those whose homes were completely destroyed, and additional compensation for damaged belongings.
In Kullu, residents near Akhara Bazaar are living in fear, as the hillside remains unstable. Many have temporarily moved to safer areas, and schools in the affected zones have been closed as a safety measure.
The monsoon season has already claimed over 340 lives in Himachal Pradesh since June 20, with 182 deaths directly linked to rain-related incidents like landslides and flash floods. Roads remain blocked, rivers are swollen, and infrastructure damage is widespread.
What’s Next: Warnings and Precautions
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, especially in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly areas and near rivers.
Rescue teams are on high alert and the government has declared Himachal Pradesh a disaster-affected state. Relief camps are being set up, and food, water, and medical supplies are being distributed to affected families.
Experts warn that climate change and unchecked construction in fragile hill zones are making such disasters more frequent. There is an urgent need for better planning, early warning systems, and stronger disaster response infrastructure.Conclusion: The twin tragedies in Mandi and Kullu are a grim reminder of nature’s power and the vulnerability of mountain communities. As rescue teams continue their brave efforts, the focus must shift to long-term solutions that protect lives and homes. Himachal’s resilience will be tested, but with unity and preparedness, recovery is possible.
Also read – Himachal’s Monsoon Fury: 51 Dead, 22 Missing as Floods Cripple State and Rescue Ops Intensify
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