Srinagar, Sep 04 (KNO): At least seven residents from Kashmir are feared dead after a massive landslide hit Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the landslide at Inner Akhara Bazaar in Kullu. Sukhu said rescue operations were being carried out by the local administration, NDRF, and relief teams, while MLA Sunder Singh Thakur and senior officials were present at the site. He confirmed that three people had been rescued so far, and two houses suffered damage in the incident.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the affected families. I pray for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” Sukhu said in his condolence message.
CM Sukhu said all possible measures were being taken to ensure swift rescue and relief.
An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that rescue operations are on and that many victims are residents of Tulail, Bandipora, who were working as labourers in Himachal.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said a landslide in Kullu led to the collapse of two houses, leaving around 12–13 persons feared trapped.
"An NDRF team carried out collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, during which three injured persons were rescued and one body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped victims,” the NDRF posted on X.
In a post on X, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's office expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kullu and assured all possible assistance is being extended.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the unfortunate landslide incident in Kullu. The LG said that the landslide incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is unfortunate and saddening. "A resident of J&K has lost his life, and many others are feared trapped under the debris," he added.
"My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I pray for the safety and well-being of others," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma said he was deeply saddened by the tragic landslide in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, which claimed several lives, including those of residents from Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“My heartfelt prayers are with those affected by this calamity. May the families find strength and the injured regain health soon,” Sharma said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary has spoken with the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, seeking urgent intervention in connection with the landslide tragedy in Kullu district. MLA Gurez, Nazir Gurezi, also held a telephonic conversation with the Deputy Commissioner Kullu regarding the rescue operation.
Gurezi said he is in constant touch with the Kullu administration, which has assured him that the evacuation of the deceased will begin once rescue operations conclude.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Gurezi conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the departed. He assured that all possible support will be extended to the affected families—(KNO)