A devastating tragedy has unfolded in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. A massive landslide near Lavandi Breeze has caused widespread destruction. This natural disaster has damaged numerous houses, and roads are completely buried under debris.
Mandi: A major landslide tragedy occurred in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday morning due to heavy rainfall. Continuous rain in the hilly regions has triggered landslides at several locations, disrupting roads, damaging houses, and burying dozens of vehicles under debris. So far, two fatalities have been confirmed, and relief and rescue operations are underway at full speed.
Landslide Engulfs Roads and Homes
The landslide near Lavandi Breeze on National Highway-154 (NH-154), connecting Mandi to Jogindernagar, has engulfed several houses and vehicles. Similarly, National Highway-21 (NH-21), which connects Mandi to Kullu, is completely blocked at several locations due to landslides. According to the Police Control Room, Mandi, heavy debris has accumulated on various sections of NH-154 and NH-21, bringing traffic to a standstill. Additionally, the Chandigarh-Manali and Pathankot-Mandi national highways have also been closed as a precautionary measure.
According to information received, landslide incidents have been reported in areas such as Victoria Bridge in Mandi city, Lavandi Breeze, Pandoh, Dwada, Jhalogi, and regions around 4 Mile and 9 Mile. Large sections of the road have been washed away near Jhalogi and Dawada on the Mandi-Manali route, significantly hindering relief efforts. Rohit Rathore, the Municipal Commissioner of Mandi, stated that "due to continuous rainfall, heavy debris has flowed down from the upper regions. This situation may have arisen due to a cloudburst-like disaster. Significant damage has occurred near Jail Road and Victoria Bridge."
Two Fatalities in the Accident
So far, two bodies have been recovered from the debris. The process of identifying the deceased is ongoing. In addition, more than 20 vehicles are reported to be buried under the rubble. Several government and private vehicles parked near the Dharmpur PWD Divisional Office and the Superintending Engineer's office have also been affected by the landslide. According to reports, some people were trapped in the debris and were rescued by breaking windows or through walls.
Local administration, police, NDRF, and fire department teams are deployed at the scene, and the rescue operation is ongoing continuously. Heavy rainfall is causing difficulties for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in restoring the route. A senior NHAI official stated that it is not possible to open the road until the rain stops. The continuous falling of stones from the mountains poses a safety risk.
The State Disaster Management Department and the district administration are engaged in providing relief materials, food items, tarpaulins, and medical assistance. Landslide reports are also emerging from several locations in rural areas, making the restoration of communication channels a challenge.
