Himachal Pradesh Tragedy: 18 Dead as Landslide Buries Bus, PM Announces Relief

A devastating landslide struck Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh on the evening of October 7, 2025, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 18 people. The incident occurred when a private bus, carrying over 30 passengers, was swept away by mud and rocks in the Balurghat area while traveling from Marotan to Punjab via the Pathankot–Mandi highway.

The bus was caught off guard as heavy rains triggered a sudden landslide, burying it under debris. Eyewitnesses reported that the passengers had little time to react, leading to a high casualty count. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but the continuous rainfall and unstable terrain posed significant challenges for the teams on the ground.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, along with local police and fire services, conducted search and rescue operations throughout the night. So far, three survivors have been rescued, including two children who are in critical condition. Efforts are ongoing to locate an 8-year-old boy who remains missing, as rescue teams comb through the debris for any signs of life. Local authorities have called for heightened vigilance in nearby hilly areas, warning residents about the risk of further landslides due to ongoing heavy rainfall.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, to be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The announcement aims to provide immediate financial support to those affected by the disaster. President Droupadi Murmu and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu have also expressed their condolences and are closely monitoring the situation. Sukhu directed all concerned departments to ensure speedy rescue operations and provide medical assistance to survivors.

This incident underscores the recurring vulnerability of hilly regions in India to landslides, especially during the monsoon season. Experts have highlighted the need for improved early warning systems, better road maintenance, and stricter monitoring of hillside construction to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As Himachal Pradesh mourns the loss of lives, the focus remains on rescue and relief. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to recover those trapped and ensure that survivors receive timely medical care. The state has urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to safety advisories while traveling in landslide-prone areas.

The nation joins in grief as families cope with the sudden loss, and the government pledges support to mitigate the immediate impact of this calamity.

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