Kinnaur landslide: 10 dead, over 30 feared buried; PM, Shah dial Himachal CM

Kinnaur, Aug 11: Ten persons were killed and over 40 others were feared buried under the debris after a landslide trapped a bus and other vehicles in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said.The landslide occurred at around 11.50 am in Chaura village in Kinnaur, the officials said.

State Disaster Management Force Director Sudesh Kumar Mokhta said at least nine persons were pulled out of the rubble in an injured condition during the initial hours of the rescue operation.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told the state assembly that there are reports that 50-60 people are trapped under the debris, but the exact number was not known.

''As per the information available so far, 50-60 people might be trapped following a landslide on a road in Nugulsari area of Kinnaur district. Union Home Minister called us and said that the state can immediately tell them of any help that is needed. Army has offered us all possible help, they want to join the operation,'' Himachal Pradesh CM said.

''4 people including driver & conductor of the bus trapped in the debris have been rescued so far & taken to hospital. NDRF, ITBP, CISF, Police teams present at the spot. Efforts are on for rescue operation but rubbles are still dropping from height. As soon as it comes under control, rescue teams will get in action,'' Thakur further said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister following a major landslide in Kinnaur in which over 40 people are feared buried under the debris.

"PM @narendramodi spoke to Himachal Pradesh CM @jairamthakurbjp regarding the situation in the wake of the landslide in Kinnaur. PM assured all possible support in the ongoing rescue operations," the Prime Minister''s Office (PMO) said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to take stock of the situation arising due to a landslide, in which over 40 people are feared buried under the debris, officials said.

The home minister also directed the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to provide all assistance to the Himachal Pradesh government in rescue and relief operations.

Shah spoke to the Himachal Pradesh chief minister to enquire about the landslide in the state, an official from the ministry said. He assured him of all possible help from the central government to deal with the situation.

The teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the local police reached the spot for carrying out the rescue operation, Thakur said.

He said an Army official also called him and extended help.

A helicopter is also being arranged for the rescue operation, the chief minister said.

He said the landslide occurred when there was no rainfall in the area at that time in the area.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur, Abid Hussain Sadiq told PTI that several vehicles, including the HRTC bus carrying over 40 passengers, were buried under the debris.

The bus was on its way from Reckong Peo in Kinnaur to Shimla, he added.