Congress President Kharge Announces Ongoing Rescue Operations After Himachal Landslide Tragedy

Following a devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh that claimed at least 15 lives, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is leading the rescue operations. The government is committed to providing all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.

A devastating landslide struck a private bus in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Bhalughat area within the Jhandutta assembly segment. The bus, carrying 25-30 passengers, was travelling from Marotan to Ghumarwin when it was hit around 6:30 pm, according to officials.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is directly managing the relief and rescue operations. "The state government is continuing its rescue operation on a war footing," Kharge said. "The chief minister is personally overseeing the relief and rescue efforts, and the government is providing all possible assistance to the victims."

Relief Efforts and Government Response

Kharge conveyed his condolences to those who lost loved ones, emphasising support for the affected families. "Our deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families. We stand with them," he stated. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared her grief over the incident.

Vadra commented on the tragic news of deaths and injuries caused by the landslide in Bilaspur. "May the departed souls rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," she wrote in Hindi on X. She assured that the state's Congress government is committed to supporting victims during this crisis.

Ongoing Rescue Operations Amidst Adverse Weather

Efforts are being made urgently to provide necessary aid and relief, Vadra noted. "In this hour of crisis, the state's Congress government stands with the victims in every way; efforts are being made on a war-footing to provide all possible assistance and relief," she added.

Officials reported that several individuals remain trapped under debris, while three have been successfully rescued so far. The region has been experiencing intermittent rainfall since Monday, complicating rescue efforts.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue their search and rescue operations amidst challenging weather conditions. The focus remains on providing immediate assistance and ensuring safety for those affected by this unfortunate event.

With inputs from PTI