Three feared buried in Sirmaur mining-site landslide; rescue halted due to rain
Nahan, August 18
Three people, including a local driver and two Nepali labourers, are feared trapped under debris following a major landslide at a mining site in Tilordhar (Bangandhar) near Kafota in Sirmaur district on Tuesday, officials said.
The landslide occurred amid heavy rain when a large portion of the hillside suddenly gave way, sending huge rocks and debris onto the mining area. A stone-loaded vehicle was reportedly leaving the site when the landslide struck. Two vehicles were damaged in the incident.
Following the information, a team of the local administration and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and launched a search operation for the three persons feared buried under the debris. However, continued heavy rain and the possibility of further landslides forced the authorities to suspend the rescue operation temporarily.
SDM Shillai Jaspal, who reached the site and is personally monitoring the rescue and relief operation, said preliminary information indicated that three persons were feared trapped under the debris. He said the search would resume as soon as weather conditions improve and the site is considered safe for rescue personnel.
A large quantity of soil, boulders and other debris has accumulated at the site, making the rescue operation difficult. Officials are also keeping a close watch on the unstable hillside because further movement of the slope could endanger the rescue teams.
Also Read
13 Killed after boulders hit a vehicle on Udaipur–Pangi road in Lahaul-Spiti
Meanwhile, questions have been raised over the mining activity being carried out at the site. It was not immediately clear whether the operation had the requisite valid permission. The administration is expected to ascertain the status of the mining activity as part of its investigation.
For the moment, however, the administration’s priority is to locate the three persons feared buried and ensure their safe rescue.
The incident comes amid continuing monsoon-related disasters in Himachal Pradesh. According to the latest figures cited in state-level reports, the cumulative toll from the ongoing monsoon-related incidents and associated accidents has been rising steadily.
About the Author
