A catastrophic landslide struck Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Thursday, September 4, 2025, claiming one life and leaving six people trapped under the rubble of two collapsed houses in the Akhada Bazaar area. The disaster, which occurred around 6 a.m., is part of a series of devastating rain-related incidents plaguing the state during an intense monsoon season. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swiftly rescued three individuals, including a woman, but the search continues for those still buried, hampered by relentless rainfall.
The NDRF, already engaged in nearby rescue operations following a similar collapse on Tuesday night that killed two people, including one of their own jawans, reached the site within 10 minutes. Assistant Commandant Santosh reported that three survivors, including Radhika Sankhyan, were rushed to a hospital. Sankhyan recounted her harrowing escape, saying she was preparing tea when the landslide buried her under utensils and debris. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams battling adverse weather conditions to save the six trapped individuals.
Himachal Pradesh is reeling from incessant rains that have triggered widespread destruction, including 95 flash floods, 45 cloudbursts, and 127 major landslides since the monsoon began on June 20. The state has reported 343 deaths and 43 missing persons, with damages estimated at Rs 3,690 crore. On Thursday, heavy rainfall—Dharampur recorded 74.6 mm, followed by Karsog (69 mm) and Kasauli (67 mm)—further disrupted life, closing 1,292 roads, including major national highways like NH-3, NH-5, and NH-21. Additionally, 2,809 power transformers and 1,081 water supply schemes are non-functional, and the Shimla-Kalka railway line has been suspended until Friday due to landslips.
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The crisis has prompted significant safety measures, with all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and anganwadi centers, ordered closed until September 7. A road near Shayothal village in Solan caved in, leading to the closure of the Shamti bypass, deemed unsafe due to cracks. The local meteorological office has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas on Friday and Saturday, signaling continued risks.
As Himachal battles this unprecedented monsoon fury, the focus remains on rescue operations and supporting affected communities. The Kullu tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
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