What Happened in Himachal as Landslide Claims 18 Lives?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 18 fatalities confirmed in the landslide incident.
- Rescue operations are ongoing with local authorities involved.
- Chief Minister has expressed condolences and ordered rapid medical assistance.
- Prime Minister has pledged financial support to the victims' families.
- Weather conditions played a significant role in this tragedy.
Shimla, Oct 7 (NationPress) Tragically, 18 individuals lost their lives when a private bus they were aboard was struck by a devastating landslide in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, the hometown of BJP national President J.P. Nadda, on Tuesday, according to officials.
Since Monday, the region has experienced sporadic rainfall.
The calamity took place in the Bhalughat region of the Jhandutta Assembly area.
Approximately 35 passengers were on board the bus, which was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin.
Local authorities and machinery have been mobilized to remove the debris, and a rescue operation is actively underway to locate the missing individuals.
So far, officials have recovered 18 bodies from the wreckage of the bus.
Witnesses reported that a mountain collapsed onto the bus, making survival prospects for the passengers extremely slim.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to the victims' families.
He stated that he remains in contact with the district administration and has issued orders to hasten relief and rescue efforts.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister has mandated that the injured be promptly transported to medical facilities and that sufficient provisions be made for their care.
The incident occurred due to a landslide in Bhalu, near Barthi. Reports indicate that between 25 and 30 passengers were on the bus, which was completely crushed by the falling debris and stones.
Emergency services, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams quickly arrived on the scene to conduct rescue operations, which continued late into the night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the lives lost in this incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased.