In the Kinnaur landslide, at least 2 people have been announced dead while 25-30 still feared buried under the debris. Personnel from Army and NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force) have been deployed to carry an extensive search and rescue operation. The incident was reported during the afternoon of 11 August, 2021 and since then as many as 10 people have already been rescued by the search and rescue force.

Contents hide
1. Details
2. The Facts of the Matter
3. Horrifying Visuals Capture Nature’s Wrath
4. Home Minister Amit Shah, PM Modi Extend Support
5. 3 ITBP Battalions on Spot, Rescue Operation Hampered

Details

At least 2 people have been reported dead while several more are feared buried in Kinnaur. On August 11, a landslide at the Reckong Peo-Shimla Highway was reported. Due to the boulders and huge rocks were rolling down the hills, a truck, a state-run-bus and several other vehicles got trapped under the debris.

Also Read: Bus in Himachal Pradesh Hangs by Thread off Cliff, Brave Driver Rescues 30 Passengers

The Facts of the Matter

According to reports, the state-run bus was ferrying 40 people due to which at least 25-30 people are feared trapped or buried dead under the landslide’s debris. Soon, the teams of ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) were rushed to carry out the search and rescue operation. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur said that personnel from NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) were also called in.

Speaking to reporters, CM Thakur was quoted in reports saying-

“I’ve directed the police and the 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. We are waiting for detailed information.”

Horrifying Visuals Capture Nature’s Wrath

After the incident, video footages and pictures of landslide were shared on internet by journalists and relevant authorities. In one such footage, huge rocks can be seen rolling down from a hill at the National Highway 5, Bara Khamba. In the background of the video a person can be heard saying that it was all because of fate that they were saved.

Also Read: MP Floods: Over 1200 Villages Affected, 1,600 People Rescued; Army and Air Force in Action

Home Minister Amit Shah, PM Modi Extend Support

Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported that Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, spoke to Himachal Pradesh CM regarding the incident and assured him all the possible help. The Home Minister also took to Twitter and wrote, “Regarding the accident caused by landslide in Himachal’s Kinnaur, I spoke to the Chief Minister. I Spoke to DG of ITBP. Teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue work. It is the priority of ITBP and local administration to save lives and provide prompt treatment to the injured.”

The handle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office too tweeted saying, “PM Narendra Modi spoke to Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur regarding the situation in the wake of the landslide in Kinnaur. PM assured all possible support in the ongoing rescue operations.”

Also Read: Himachal Landslide: Video Shows 9 Tourists Being Killed by Boulders Falling from Hill

3 ITBP Battalions on Spot, Rescue Operation Hampered

As the hours progressed, more details emerged and are still continuing to do so. According to reports, ITBP personnel of 17th, 19th and 43rd battalion reached the site. The ITBP claimed that at least 4 vehicles including a bus and a truck were feared trapped in the debris. Thanks to the timely action taken by the search and rescue team, the driver and the conductor of the state-run bus were rescued.

While the search and rescue operation continued, news agency ANI reported that the continuous fall of boulders are hampering the speed at which the operation can be carried out. The police, Indian Army personnel and NDRF teams are all at the landslide site.