7 Kashmiris feared dead after landslide hits Himachal’s Kullu

Srinagar, Sept 04: At least seven residents from Kashmir are feared dead after a massive landslide struck Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

An official told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the victims, all hailing from Tulail area of Bandipora district, were working as labourers in Himachal when the tragedy occurred. Rescue operations are currently underway.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that the landslide caused the collapse of two houses, leaving around 12–13 persons feared trapped. “An NDRF team carried out collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, during which three injured persons were rescued and one body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped victims,” the NDRF posted on X.

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office, in a post on X, expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kullu and assured that all possible assistance is being extended to the affected families.

Meanwhile, the SDM Gurez confirmed that among those feared dead are at least four persons from Tulail, Bandipora, identified as:

1. Mehrajudin Lone, son of Sabir Lone

2. Tariq Ahmad Sheikh, son of Bashir Ahmad Sheikh

3. Hussain Lone, son of Sultan Lone (currently residing at Guchi Mahalla, Akhal Kangan)

4. Rashid Sheikh, son of Jamal Sheikh (presently residing at Kangan)

Further details about the remaining victims are awaited as rescue operations continue.