Heavy rains triggered a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, killing at least six people and leaving two others missing, officials said Wednesday.
The landslide struck Sundernagar area, where four members of the same family were among the dead. Authorities said 16 houses were completely destroyed in Darki hill area, while another 40 remain in a precarious condition. A red alert was issued, and the entire village was evacuated.
“Most residents had already moved out sensing the danger, which helped prevent more casualties,” a local official said.
The district administration announced that schools would shift to online classes until further notice. Landslides and flooding have blocked at least 1,333 roads across the region, officials added.
The India Meteorological Department had earlier issued a warning of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts until noon. Forecasts also suggest heavy rain may continue in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una.
Deadly monsoon-triggered landslides are common in Himachal Pradesh, where steep terrain and fragile soil make villages vulnerable to heavy rain.
