Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: A pre-dawn landslide struck the remote village of Sharmani in the Nirmand subdivision of Kullu district early Tuesday, leaving one person dead, three others injured, and one still missing. Officials believe the landslide may have been triggered by intense rainfall or a possible cloudburst, a recurring phenomenon in the region during the monsoon season.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m., catching residents off guard as they slept. A residential house was completely engulfed by the falling debris, prompting a swift response from local authorities and emergency personnel.
Rescue Teams Face Tough Terrain
According to Manmohan Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Nirmand, rescue efforts were immediately launched by the local administration, police, and disaster response teams. “We’ve recovered one body from the site, and three people have been pulled out alive. One individual is still unaccounted for, and efforts are on to locate them,” Singh confirmed.
Rescuers are navigating challenging mountainous terrain, and loose soil is making operations hazardous. Continued rainfall has increased the risk of secondary landslides, slowing progress and putting teams on high alert.
Community in Shock
Residents of the Ghatu Panchayat, under which Sharmani falls, woke up to scenes of destruction. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud rumble followed by a thunderous crash in the middle of the night. Several families have since been evacuated from high-risk zones as a precaution.
Locals, many of whom have family in the affected home, joined in the rescue efforts alongside official teams. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents.
Weather Woes Continue
The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department has warned of continued unstable weather across the state, including potential cloudbursts and flash floods in hilly areas like Kullu. The state has been on edge due to a series of rain-induced calamities over the past few months, leading to significant loss of life and infrastructure.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories. Movement in landslide-prone zones is being restricted, and monitoring teams have been stationed across critical points in the district.
Government Response
While Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has not yet issued a formal statement, local officials say the state government is monitoring the situation closely. Relief measures, including compensation for the affected family and rehabilitation support, are expected to be announced following a full assessment.
SDM Manmohan Singh assured that rescue and relief operations will continue until all missing individuals are accounted for and the area is deemed safe.
