At least 15 people died after a massive landslide struck a passenger bus traveling on a hilly road near Bilaspur district in northern India’s Himachal Pradesh, local authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred late Thursday after days of heavy rainfall, which destabilized the fragile mountain slopes. The bus carried 20 to 25 passengers, including men, women, and children.
⚠️ Casualties and Rescue Efforts
According to the police:
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Nine men, four women, and two children were killed.
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Three injured children were rescued and admitted to a local hospital.
Rescue operations continued on Wednesday, with teams digging through debris to locate any remaining survivors. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel used heavy machinery and manual efforts to clear mud and rubble.
️ Impact of Torrential Rains
The landslide followed continuous rains since Monday, which have made mountain slopes unstable. Visuals from ANI and local media showed the bus wreckage buried under mud and rescuers searching for passengers amid debris.
Extreme rainfall this year has triggered floods and landslides across South Asia, affecting India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives.
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In Uttarakhand, India, flash floods swept away a village in August.
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In Nepal, mudslides and flooding killed at least 44 people over the weekend and disrupted Kathmandu’s domestic flights.
Climate Change and Intensifying Monsoons
Experts warn that human-caused climate change is making South Asia’s monsoons more extreme and unpredictable. Traditionally, the monsoon season runs from June to September and again from October to December, but rainfall now comes in sudden, heavy bursts followed by dry spells, increasing risks of landslides and floods.
Condolences and Support
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and urged authorities to ensure swift rescue and relief measures.
