In a heartbreaking turn of events, the death toll has climbed to 15 after a devastating landslide struck a private bus in India’s Himachal Pradesh. The tragic incident unfolded on a narrow mountain road on Sunday evening, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning.
Among the 15 victims were 9 men, 4 women, and 2 young children. Two other children miraculously survived but were injured. One child remains missing, and rescue operations continue in the hope of a miracle.
“This horrific mishap has taken away 15 precious lives. The search continues for one child,” said Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his grief and solidarity with the families affected.
Footage from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local media showed the bus reduced to twisted metal, lying helplessly amid the debris. Rescuers, undeterred by the rugged terrain and treacherous weather, are still sifting through rubble, hoping to bring closure to distraught families.
“The main cause appears to be incessant rain over the past two days,” confirmed Senior Police Officer Sandeep Dhawal, echoing the concerns of many in the region as monsoon fury continues to batter the Himalayan states.
This disaster is part of a broader climate crisis gripping the region. In Darjeeling, West Bengal, 23 lives were lost earlier this week, while neighbouring Nepal reported over 50 deaths due to similar flooding and landslides.
As rescue teams continue their courageous efforts and families wait in agony, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of nature’s force and the urgent need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness in vulnerable mountain regions.
Let us not just move on. Let us care. Let us support the survivors, remember the lost, and hold our leaders accountable for stronger climate resilience. These were not just numbers—they were someone’s family. Someone’s child. Someone’s world.
