A devastating landslide struck the Jangambag locality in Sundernagar subdivision late on Tuesday evening, burying two homes under a mass of debris. The disaster claimed six lives, including members of the same family, and left one person missing as rescue operations stretch into the night.
Collapse at Sundernagar
Residents described hearing a deep rumbling sound just before the slope gave way and engulfed the houses standing at the base. Rescue teams, including the SDRF, NDRF, local police, and district administration, rushed to the scene and began clearing debris through the night under floodlights. Heavy machinery, including JCBs and breakers, were deployed to aid efforts.
Five of the deceased belonged to two families residing in the affected homes. The sixth victim was an unidentified man on a scooter who happened to be passing by when the landslide struck. Residents identified the family members as Gurpreet Singh, his wife Bharti, their daughter Kirat, Shanti Devi, and Surender Kaur. A person named Rahul is still unaccounted for, believed to be trapped under the rubble along with his vehicle.
Challenging Rescue Conditions
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan is overseeing the rescue mission and emphasized that locating the missing individual remains the top priority. Fragile terrain and persistent rainfall are hampering progress, with emergency personnel working in treacherous conditions to ensure no further loss of life. Two adjacent houses have been evacuated as a precaution, with one showing signs of structural damage.
Broader Impact and Precautions
The landslide was one among several weather-related tragedies in Himachal Pradesh in recent days. Heavy rains have triggered multiple landslides and building collapses across Mandi, Kullu, and Solan, resulting in a total of five deaths. Monsoon-related disruption has affected road connectivity, power and water supplies, and school operations. In Sundernagar, educational institutions will remain closed today to safeguard students and staff.
The Himachal Pradesh weather department has issued fresh alerts warning of intensified rain over the next 16 to 18 hours, especially in Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, and Chamba districts. Authorities have urged residents to refrain from unnecessary travel and vigilantly monitor vulnerable areas, particularly those prone to land slippage or located near riverbanks.
Photo Source: X (Poster)
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