Six Killed in Sudden Landslide in Mandi’s Jangambag Area in Himachal, one victim still trapped; Rescue Operations underway.
Mandi:
A major landslide struck the Jangambag area of Sundernagar subdivision in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday evening, claiming six lives, including four members of a single family. The sudden and devastating landslip hit two residential houses, trapping 7 people under the debris and sending shockwaves through the local community.
The incident occurred without any prior warning, triggering panic as terrified residents rushed out of their homes. According to Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma, loud rumbling noises were heard just moments before the hillside gave way, engulfing the houses located at the base.
“A massive rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident,” said SP Verma. “Despite challenging conditions, all six bodies were recovered from the rubble by late night.”
The victims have been identified as:
- Gurpreet Singh (35)
- His 3-year-old daughter Kirat
- His wife Bharti (30)
- Shanti Devi (70)
- Surender Kaur (56)
- One person, who was travelling on scooty in the area.
The fifth victim, the woman from the second house, was found dead under the debris during the extended search efforts. One person was travelling on a scooty, who was also trapped in the debris. His body has been recovered from the spot. Now search is underway to local one person Rahul, who was also trapped under the debris along with his vehicle.
Responding promptly, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and local police teams rushed to the site. Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apoorv Devgan and Additional District Magistrate Dr. Madan Kumar were present on-site, personally overseeing the rescue operation, which continued through the night under difficult weather conditions.
As a precautionary measure, the district administration also vacated nearby houses, fearing further slope instability in the area.
The incident has intensified public concern over the increasing frequency of landslides and other natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, particularly during the monsoon season. Experts and local residents alike are calling for urgent action, including stricter land-use regulations, better drainage systems, and enhanced early-warning infrastructure to mitigate such risks in vulnerable areas.
The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to provide compensation and support to the affected families.
This tragic event comes amid a series of weather-related disasters across the state, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of disaster preparedness and sustainable development planning in hilly regions.
