Key Points:
- A massive landslide struck near Manikaran Gurudwara in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday evening, killing six people and injuring five.
- Victims include three tourists and three locals; injured individuals have been hospitalized.
- The landslide was triggered by a storm, causing a large tree and debris to collapse on pedestrians and parked vehicles.
- Rescue operations are underway with police, fire brigade, and medical teams on-site.
- Authorities have issued warnings for landslide-prone areas amid ongoing weather instability.
Shimla: A tragic landslide near the Manikaran Gurudwara in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, claimed six lives and left five others injured on Sunday, March 30. The incident occurred around 5 PM when a section of the hillside collapsed, bringing down a large tree and debris onto pedestrians and parked vehicles near the gurudwara parking area.
What Happened?
Eyewitnesses reported that the landslide struck suddenly as people were sitting near roadside vendors and vehicles parked close to the gurudwara. Among the deceased were three tourists who had stopped for tea and three locals, including a street vendor. The injured were rushed to Jari Hospital for treatment.
Videos from the site showed crushed vehicles and chaos as locals and rescue teams worked to clear the debris. “It was horrifying; we heard a loud noise, and within seconds, everything was buried under rubble,” said an eyewitness.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The local administration acted swiftly following the disaster. A police team led by SHO Manikaran, along with fire brigade personnel and JCB machines, arrived at the scene to carry out rescue operations. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Ashwani Kumar confirmed that six people had died and five were injured.
Doctors were dispatched to provide first aid at the site, while emergency teams worked tirelessly to remove debris and search for survivors. Authorities have temporarily halted traffic on the Kullu-Manikaran road to facilitate relief efforts.
Weather Warnings Ignored?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert earlier in the week, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in Kullu and surrounding districts. Experts believe that heavy rains and unstable slopes may have contributed to the landslide.
Locals claim that visible signs of soil erosion and weakened trees were ignored by authorities despite repeated warnings about the area’s vulnerability to landslides. “This could have been avoided if preventive measures were taken,” said a shopkeeper near the gurudwara.
Tourism Impact
Manikaran is a popular religious destination visited by thousands of pilgrims annually. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in tourist-heavy regions prone to natural disasters. Traffic disruptions caused by road blockages have left many tourists stranded in nearby areas, with authorities advising caution while traveling through vulnerable zones.
Government Response
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to victims’ families. “We will ensure that those injured receive the best possible medical care,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for improved disaster management systems in high-risk areas like Kullu-Manikaran Valley to prevent such incidents in the future.
The devastating landslide near Manikaran Gurudwara serves as a grim reminder of nature’s unpredictability in mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh. While rescue operations continue, questions are being raised about disaster preparedness and early warning systems in vulnerable zones.
As families mourn their loved ones, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard lives in landslide-prone areas amid changing weather patterns.
