A catastrophic landslide struck Sharmani village in the Ghatu panchayat of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, claiming the lives of five members of a single family and injuring three others. Triggered by a cloudburst around 1:30 AM, the landslide obliterated two houses, burying Bresti Devi (50), her son Chunni Lal (32), daughter-in-law Anju (25), and grandchildren Jagriti (8) and Bhupesh (5) under debris. The injured, identified as Shiv Ram, Dharam Das, and Kala Devi, were rushed to Nirmand hospital with critical injuries.

Gram panchayat pradhan Bhoga Ram reported that villagers began search and rescue efforts immediately, recovering Bresti Devi’s body early in the morning and the remaining victims throughout the day. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manmohan Singh confirmed the five fatalities, noting that the local administration was promptly informed and has been supporting ongoing rescue operations.

This tragedy brings the death toll from 23 landslides in Kullu district to 20, contributing to the 378 fatalities recorded across Himachal Pradesh since the monsoon began on June 20, 2025. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 213 of these deaths were due to rain-related incidents, including 48 from landslides, 17 from cloudbursts, and 11 from flash floods, with 40 people still missing. The state has incurred losses of Rs 4,156 crore, with 684 roads, including four national highways, closed and 1,202 power transformers and 423 water supply schemes disrupted as of September 9.

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed their condolences, assuring full government support for the affected families. Relief and rescue operations are underway at full speed, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announcing Rs 5 crore in aid for Himachal Pradesh. The Meteorological Department issued a yellow warning for heavy rains and thunderstorms in Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts on Thursday, signaling continued risks.

The disaster underscores the severe impact of monsoon-related incidents in the region, with recent weeks seeing multiple landslides, including nine deaths in Kullu on September 3-4. Authorities urge residents in hilly areas to remain vigilant amid ongoing heavy rainfall.

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