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Sikkim Landslides: 1,000 Tourists Stranded in Lachen and Lachung, 1,500 Rescued

April 25, 2025, 8:12 pm

At least 1,000 tourists in Lachen and Lachung, two mountain hill stations in north Sikkim, still remain stranded by landslips in the area since Thursday, a senior police officer of the district said on Friday.

Rescue Operations for Stranded Tourists in Sikkim

Mangan SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia stated that nearly 1,500 more tourists, whose cars were stuck on the road as a result of the landslides, were taken in by neighboring villages on Thursday night, and were rescued on Friday. They overnighted at locations like the police station, gurudwara, Indo-Tibetan Border Police camp and in a few instances, were welcomed by local villagers.

“They were taken out on Friday morning and have already left for Gangtok,” Bhutia told.

The district police chief informed that landslides caused by incessant rain since Thursday afternoon have damaged roads at several locations near Munshithang on the route to Lachen from Chungthang and near Lima on the route to Lachung from Chungthang.

Tourists Remain Stranded in Lachen and Lachung

A district official stated that tourists, who were in Lachen and Lachung when heavy rains began on Thursday, remain in the hill stations.

The official further stated that all the travel permits for north Sikkim for Friday have been cancelled, including those already issued in advance because of the road condition. The district administration has instructed tour operators not to take tourists to north Sikkim under any circumstances until the situation improves.

Major Landslides Reported in Sikkim

As per an official communication received on Thursday evening, extensive landslides have been reported on Munshithang on the Lachen–Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung–Chungthang road.

Lachen was one of the destinations in Sikkim worst affected by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. It was isolated for nearly one and half years. It was opened to tourists this year from March.

Six Dead, Several Injured in Tragic Landslide in Himachal’s Kullu | Watch

March 30, 2025, 8:23 pm

At least six individuals, including three women, died in a horrific landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Sunday (March 28). The accident took place around 5 PM near the PWD road, opposite Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib, when trees that had been uprooted by the storm came crashing down on roadside spectators.

Storm Triggers Deadly Collapse

Reports show that the area had experienced a huge storm earlier, weakening the trees, which later fell on unsuspecting victims. Killed in the accident were a roadside vendor, a car occupant, and three tourists, with five others being injured.

Rescue Operations in Progress

The injured were taken to Jari Hospital for treatment by local authorities. Confirming the deaths, Additional District Magistrate of Kullu Ashwani Kumar said:

“Six individuals lost their lives, and five were injured when trees were blown away close to Manikaran Gurudwara parking in Kullu. Police and district administration rescue teams have rescued five injured and taken them to the local community hospital at Jari,” he informed ANI.

Officials React to the Disaster

Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, in a conversation with ANI, assured that the administration was dealing with the situation actively.

“This accident occurred close to Manikaran Gurudwara where a tree was uprooted… Bodies are being taken to the hospital, and the four injured are also being taken here… A police party and the administration are on the spot,” he added.

The local police station head officer (SHO) and a fire department team were also sent to the spot for rescue and relief work.

Recent Rains & Landslides Worsen Situation

Himachal Pradesh has been struggling to cope with severe weather, heavy rain and snowfall disrupting traffic on a widespread scale. There have been instances of landslides, blockage of roads, and vehicle damage because of debris flows reported in Kullu and elsewhere.

Landslide in Kullu near Manikaran Sahib in Himachal #Landslide pic.twitter.com/iNKQd763Sp

— Dhirendra Kumar/धीरेंद्र कुमार (@dhir022) March 30, 2025

Last week, a big landslide at Rokaru in Kangra district, caused by continuous rains and cloudbursts, damaged some vehicles and threatened to destroy 12 houses, said PTI.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue operations progress.

Massive Landslide in China Triggers High-Level Rescue Operation for 30 Missing

February 8, 2025, 7:47 pm

China has launched a huge rescue operation after more than 30 people went missing following a landslide that had buried at least 10 houses.

The tragedy occurred Saturday in Junlian County of the Sichuan Province, which led the Ministry of Emergency Management to deploy hundreds of rescuers and firefighters there. Associated Press cites state broadcaster CCTV as saying two people were pulled from the debris.

Sichuan Province has meanwhile raised its level of geological emergency alert from Level III to Level I, the highest classification according to Xinhua, a state-run news agency. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has directed an investigation into the incident and to assess geological hazards in surrounding districts where the risk of more casualties may occur, thus ordering the evacuation of residents at risk.

President Xi Calls for Full-Fledged Rescue Operation

President Xi Jinping told authorities to do everything possible to find the missing and minimize casualties from the disaster, Xinhua reported. In parallel, the National Development and Reform Commission earmarked 50 million yuan, about $6.9 million from the central budget, to carry out the urgent restoration and rehabilitation of infrastructures and public facilities.

The disaster is an aftermath of consecutive natural calamities in China. Last month, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook Qinghai Province near the headwaters of the Yellow River as part of a series of tremors on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. One of them is a 6.8 magnitude quake in Tibet and a lesser 3.1 magnitude one in Sichuan.

More than 35 lives were claimed in 2023 when a landslide swept away an area of the remote mountainous region in southwestern China. This disaster, triggered by the collapse of a steep clifftop area of about 100 meters (330 feet) in width, 60 meters (200 feet) in height, and averaging 6 meters (20 feet) in thickness, swept down Liangshui village in Yunnan Province.

Andhra Pradesh: Landslide Hits Vijayawada, 1 Dead, 4 Injured

August 31, 2024, 4:33 pm

Heavy rainfall disrupted life in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, causing significant damage and leading to a landslide in Vijayawada. The incident resulted in one fatality, with four others injured. Authorities promptly initiated a rescue operation upon receiving information, and the injured individuals were taken to a hospital for treatment. Several people are feared trapped under the debris of a house damaged by the landslide.

The district administration declared a holiday for schools on Saturday in response to the heavy rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across various parts of Andhra Pradesh, with a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a depression.

A Met Department official stated, “Continuous light to moderate rains would prevail. Heavy to very heavy rains are most likely today over many districts of Andhra Pradesh.” The well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and adjacent northwest Bay of Bengal off the coast of north Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha had moved west-northwestwards and intensified into a depression by 5:30 am on Saturday.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director R Kurmanadh indicated that parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh are expected to receive heavy rainfall. In light of the heavy rainfall warning, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered all departments to remain on high alert.

Biplab Kumar Deb Visits Landslide Victims And Flood-Displaced Residents In Ashwini Tripura

August 27, 2024, 2:32 pm

Biplab Kumar Deb, the Lok Sabha MP from Tripura West, visited the families affected by a recent landslide in Ashwini Tripura Para, Shantirbazar subdivision, which claimed seven lives. During his visit, he also met with residents displaced by the ongoing floods, expressing his solidarity and ensuring that they receive the necessary support.

This visit highlights the former chief minister’s dedication to supporting people during crises and addressing the challenges of natural disasters. Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha donated his one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) on Monday, presenting a cheque to Additional Secretary Samit Roy Chowdhury. This donation is expected to significantly aid ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected areas. On X (formerly Twitter), Saha called on citizens and organizations to contribute to the relief efforts.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Saha urged citizens and organizations to join him in supporting the relief efforts. He stated, “I hereby contribute my one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the purpose of providing relief to the people affected by the floods.”

The chief minister’s proactive response has been widely praised, with many commending his leadership during this challenging period. As Tripura continues to address the aftermath of the floods, the government’s efforts are concentrated on providing immediate relief and ensuring the long-term recovery of affected communities.

The Tripura government has also requested the central government to dispatch an advance Inter-Ministerial Central Team for an on-site evaluation of the flood damage in the state, according to a press release. Rainfall has been relatively light over the past three days, with the highest recorded at 38 mm in Panisagar over the last 24 hours. However, the water level of the Gomati River at Sonamura remains above the danger mark. The death toll has now risen to 26, with one person missing and two injured.

DNA Testing On 401 Bodies From Wayanad Landslide Completed

August 14, 2024, 1:56 pm

On Tuesday, DNA testing was completed on 401 bodies and body parts recovered from the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad on July 30. The search operation, conducted by the Army, Special Operations Group, Fire and Rescue Services, Forest Department, and several volunteers, found 349 body parts identified as belonging to 248 individuals, including 121 men and 127 women. According to Revenue Minister K Rajan, 52 of these body parts require additional tests due to decomposition.

Rajan stated that blood samples from 115 individuals have been collected to date. He also mentioned that blood samples from the relatives of three residents from Bihar are now available. Additionally, for temporary resettlement, the Harrison Malayalam labor unions have been requested to submit a report on the safety and management of 53 houses that are ready for occupancy, as well as other houses that can be made available, according to the minister during a press conference.

Trade union and management representatives have been directed to carry out an inspection and submit a report detailing which workers will be included. In addition to facilitating temporary resettlement, a fully equipped settlement is planned for the local self-government areas of Meppadi, Mupainad, Vaithiri, Kalpatta, Muttil, and Ambalavyal.

On Wednesday, an investigation will be carried out for rental houses under the leadership of all parties involved. A five-member committee, including panchayat members, revenue officers, and social workers, will assess and report on the available houses within the local self-government areas, the minister added.

Meanwhile, the cabinet sub-committee reported that 1,368 certificates have been issued to disaster victims through a special campaign established at the camps.

During the press conference at the Collectorate mini conference hall, the cabinet sub-committee members K. Rajan, AK Saseendran, OR Kelu, and District Collector DR Meghasree were in attendance.

Regarding the situation in Wayanad, Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran stated, “Three more body parts were found from the Nilambur area. As of now, 231 bodies and around 206 body parts have been recovered. At present, there are a total of 1505 people staying in 12 camps and 415 samples were sent for DNA testing…”

The body parts brought to the hospital will undergo examination. On Tuesday, the search continued in the Nilambur-Wayanad areas, involving NDRF, Fire Force, Civil Defence, Police, Forest Department forces, and volunteers.

On Tuesday, 260 volunteers collaborated in the Mundakai-Churalmala disaster areas for a search operation. The inspection concentrated on the riverbanks below the Churalmala bridge in the forest. A thorough search also continued in Chaliyar, located in the Malappuram district.

PM Modi Surveys Wayanad Landslide Affected Areas

August 10, 2024, 1:23 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook an aerial survey of the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad, Kerala, before physically visiting the disaster site. During the survey, he examined the origin of the landslide at Iruvazhinji Puzha (River) and assessed the worst-hit areas of Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala.

Kerala | PM Narendra Modi undertook an aerial survey in Wayanad before physically visiting the location of the disaster.

In the aerial survey, he saw the origin of the landslide, which is in the origin of Iruvazhinji Puzha (River). He also observed the worst affected areas of… pic.twitter.com/bGGSbIbbZ6

— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

The Prime Minister’s visit is part of a broader effort to understand the extent of the damage and coordinate relief measures for the affected communities. The aerial survey allowed him to gain a comprehensive view of the disaster’s impact before arriving on the ground to meet with local officials and residents.

“Not the time for blame game”: Congress MP on Wayanad landslides

August 7, 2024, 3:06 pm

As rescue and relief operations in landslide-hit areas of Kerala’s Wayanad entered its ninth consecutive day, Congress Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal on Wednesday said that this is not the time for a blame game.

“Our stand is very clear now. This is not the time for a blame game. Whether it is Centre or State, blaming each other is totally avoidable. The entire country is weeping, bodies are still inside the mud. A political party has a responsibility to go along with everybody on rescue operations and conduct the rehabilitation process. This is an unwanted controversy created by the Centre,” Venugopal told ANI.

His remarks came after Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav blamed the Kerala government’s policies for the landslides in Wayanad.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday told ANI that “The state government should also submit its report of the Committee headed by former Director General of Forests Sanjay Kumar. Illegal habitation and mining should not be conducted in the ecosensitive zone. We suffered the loss due to it.”

Meanwhile, rescue operations by the Indian Air Force, Army and state authorities are underway in the landslide-affected Wayanad region of Kerala on Wednesday.

“Collaborative rescue operations conducted by the IAF, IA and state authorities are ongoing in the landslide-affected Wayanad region. A specialised team of soldiers, along with the Army, was airlifted by an IAF from Kalpetta to Chaliyar River,” PRO Defence Kochi posted on X.

Wayanad’s Chooralmala and Mundakkai were hit by massive landslides on July 30, claiming over 300 lives and creating widespread property damage.

Earlier today, a special team consisting of six trained Army personnel, four SOGs (Special Operation Groups) of Kerala Police, two Forest Officers and a dog squad left for the Sunrise Valley of Soojippara waterfalls in Wayanad to carry out a search operation.

“In continuation of yesterday’s. operation, today we are also sending a team. We are including a cadaver dog and its handler. It is a 13-member team. We want to go some more downstream. Yesterday, 4 kilometres were covered. Today, we are trying to cover some more areas. We will maximum try to cover downstream,” Taposh Basumatary, Superintendent of Police, SOG, told ANI.

On Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government will ensure world-class rehabilitation in the landslide-hit areas of the Wayanad district, which will serve as an example.

Addressing a press conference, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “We will ensure world-class rehabilitation. Our goal is to implement a resettlement model that can serve as an example for the nation and the world.”

The Kerala CM further highlighted that government employees and teachers have come forward to contribute at least 5 per cent of their salary to the CM disaster relief fund.

Highlighting the total funds in the CMDRF, Vijayan stated, “From July 30 until Monday, we have received Rs 53.98 crores in the disaster relief fund.”

Seven More Body Parts Found In Kerala Landslides As Search Continues

August 7, 2024, 2:12 am

On Tuesday, rescue teams in Kerala’s Wayanad district, hit by devastating landslides on July 30, recovered seven additional body parts. The search operations focused on landslide-affected villages and areas along the Chaliyar river.

Current Status and Findings

The death toll from the disaster remains at 224, but with 189 body parts found so far, the total number of fatalities will be confirmed through DNA testing. There are still 152 individuals reported missing. Search teams have been combing through affected areas including Punchirimattom, Mundakkayi, Chooralmala, and the Sunrise Valley. Three body parts were retrieved from Meppadi and four from Nilambur.

Rescue Efforts

A total of 1,174 personnel, including army, forest department, and fire force members, are involved in the search, aided by 84 earthmovers and dog squads. Over 18,000 volunteers have registered to help. Relief camps are currently housing 648 families (2,225 individuals). Plans are underway to move them to new facilities to clear schools for reopening.

Government Response

The Kerala government is providing free rations and power supply for six months to displaced families. The Vellarmala School will be rebuilt, and online classes have started for students affected by the disaster. The cabinet sub-committee overseeing relief operations is also working on relocating displaced residents to temporary housing.

Search operations will continue as authorities work to identify victims and provide relief to those affected by this tragic event.

Wayanad Ranked 13th Most Landslide-Prone District In India: ISRO Report

August 2, 2024, 12:01 pm

On Tuesday, Wayanad in Kerala experienced severe landslides in the Meppadi and Chooramala areas, leading to over a hundred deaths and several people still missing. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Kerala faces each monsoon season.

According to the Landslide Atlas of India released by ISRO in 2023, Wayanad is ranked 13th among the country’s most landslide-prone districts. Out of Kerala’s 14 districts, 10 are listed among India’s 30 most vulnerable areas for landslides.

Kerala has been facing significant property damage and casualties due to heavy rainfall and landslides every monsoon season since the major floods of August 2018. The number of landslide events has varied over the years, with 5,191 incidents in 2018, dropping to 756 in 2019, and further decreasing to nine in 2020. In 2021, there were 29 landslides, and in 2022, a year with lower-than-normal rainfall, there were fewer casualties.

The ISRO Atlas, covering landslides from 1998 to 2022, shows Kerala as the sixth most landslide-affected state in India, after Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Kerala experienced 6,039 landslides during this period.

Here are the rankings of the most landslide-prone districts in Kerala:
1. Thrissur (3rd)
2. Palakkad (5th)
3. Malappuram (7th)
4. Kozhikode (10th)
5. Wayanad (13th)
6. Ernakulam (15th)
7. Idukki (18th)
8. Kottayam (24th)
9. Kannur (26th)
10. Thiruvananthapuram (28th)

Wayanad In Ruins: Landslide Impact Revealed By Satellite Imagery

August 1, 2024, 5:39 pm

Recent satellite images have highlighted the extensive devastation caused by landslides in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The images, captured by advanced Earth observation satellites, provide a stark view of the region’s altered landscape, showcasing the aftermath of intense monsoon rains that triggered the landslides.

Visual Evidence of Destruction

The satellite images reveal large swathes of land scarred by the landslides, with entire hillsides sheared off and debris fields stretching across what were once lush, green landscapes. The visual evidence shows the sheer scale of the destruction, including collapsed structures, blocked roads, and damaged farmlands. The disruption to natural vegetation and the displacement of soil and rocks are clearly visible, illustrating the power and impact of the natural disaster.

Impact on Communities and Environment

The landslides have not only caused significant environmental damage but have also severely affected local communities. The images show areas where homes and infrastructure have been buried or swept away, highlighting the urgent humanitarian needs for those affected. The destruction of farmland and the blockage of transportation routes have further compounded the challenges faced by residents, impacting their livelihoods and access to essential services.

Role of Satellite Imaging in Disaster Response

Satellite imaging plays a crucial role in disaster response and management. These images help authorities assess the extent of the damage quickly and accurately, facilitating efficient deployment of rescue and relief operations. They also aid in identifying areas at risk of further landslides, allowing for preemptive measures to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

The recovery from such extensive landslides will require coordinated efforts in terms of rebuilding infrastructure, restoring agricultural lands, and providing support to displaced families. The satellite data will continue to be invaluable in monitoring ongoing risks, planning rehabilitation projects, and guiding sustainable land management practices to prevent future disasters.

The satellite images of Wayanad landslides offer a sobering glimpse into the destructive power of natural disasters exacerbated by extreme weather events. They underscore the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies, as well as the importance of technology in mitigating the impact of such events. As Kerala embarks on the long road to recovery, the detailed information provided by satellite imagery will be an essential tool in rebuilding and enhancing resilience against future threats.

Landslide Kills Mother-Son Duo In Manipur’s Tamenglong District

July 30, 2024, 10:44 pm

Imphal: A 28-year-old woman and her baby son were killed, while her husband critically injured after a heavy landslide set off by incessant rains buried their house at the headquarters of Zeliangrong-Naga dominated Tamenglong district late on Monday night, police sources said.

The tragic incident occurred around 11.50 pm at the placid Dimthanlong village Ward No 3 about 145 km from Imphal, and the ill-starred house belongs to the injured Ringsinlung Kahmei, aged 32 who originally hails from Tabanglong village in the district.

Amid heavy downpour , the neighbours, who heard a loud sound of collapsing Kahmei’s house caused by the landslide, rushed there and straightway started rescue works, local sources said.

They then pulled out Kahmei , his wife, Duanzaengliu and their two-year-old son from the debris , the sources said, adding that Kahmei is currently serving as a police constable in the district.

Duanzaengliu (28) and her son breathed their last on the way to the nearby government-run district hospital, while Kahmei was evacuated to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district for further treatment.

On hearing the heart wrenching news, chief minister N Biren Singh expressed his utmost grief to the bereaved family and prayed for Kahmei’s speedy recovery.

Biren took to Facebook and said “Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of a mother and her child due to the landslide that occurred last night in Dimthanlong village, Tamenglong Ward No. 3. My heart goes out to the bereaved family.”

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Ringsinlung Kahmei, who has been critically injured in this incident. We are taking immediate steps to ensure he receives the necessary medical attention and advanced care,” he added.

The mortal remains of the mother-son duo were taken to Tabanglong village for performing the last rites on Tuesday.

Kerala Electricity Minister Orders Power Restoration In Landslide-Affected Areas

July 30, 2024, 7:28 pm

Kerala Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty has instructed that power connections in the landslide-affected areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad be restored promptly, according to a statement from the minister of electricity’s office on Tuesday.

Minister Krishnankutty has directed that power restoration efforts prioritise all areas except for seven transformers in the disaster-stricken region, which serve approximately 1,400 consumers. Power to other areas is expected to be restored by this evening. The evaluations will further be conducted in collaboration with disaster management authorities.

Krishnankutty will soon visit the affected areas to assess the restoration efforts firsthand. According to the minister’s office, approximately 3 kilometers of high-tension lines and 8 kilometers of low-tension lines in the Meppadi electrical section have been severely damaged by the landslides. Additionally, two transformers are missing, and three others are damaged. There has been significant damage to the lines in two transformer zones, leading to a complete power outage for around 350 homes, officials reported. In the early hours of Tuesday, the landslides in Meppadi, Wayanad, resulted in over 80 fatalities and about 116 injuries.

Shimla: Massive Landslide Blocks Himachal Pradesh Highway Amid Heavy Rains

July 7, 2024, 1:14 pm

A significant landslide has blocked National Highway 707 near Rohana in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, following intense rainfall in the area. The highway, crucial for connecting Hatkoti and Paonta Sahib, had to be shut down due to the incident. A video capturing the landslide shows a large section of a hill collapsing onto the road, obstructing it with huge rocks.

Recent heavy downpours have led to the closure of over 80 roads across Himachal Pradesh, with districts like Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kangra being the most severely affected. The Shimla meteorological office has issued a ‘yellow alert’, predicting heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning until July 12. Concerns about flash floods loom large over Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts within the next 24 hours.

Despite the average July rainfall being 35 mm, the state has already received 72.1 mm, marking an excess of 106 percent. In temperature updates, Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded a minimum night temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius, while Chamba saw the highest daytime temperature at 34.1 degrees Celsius.

In neighboring Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecasted heavy to extremely heavy rains in the upcoming days. According to the forecast, “Thunderstorms with lightning and intense to very intense spells are likely on July 8-9 in the hills and plains of the state.”

Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Kills 1 in Switzerland; Rescue Operations On

June 24, 2024, 1:02 am

Rescuers in Switzerland have recovered the body of one of three people who were swept away in a rockslide following severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, authorities reported on Sunday. The other two individuals remain missing.

An aerial photograph shows excavators clearing an area in the Graubünden canton in Switzerland after violent downpours caused floods and landslides. One woman was rescued alive from the debris on Saturday morning.

“Today is a sad day,” said Ignazio Cassis, a member of the Swiss Federal Council, addressing reporters after visiting the region to express solidarity with the victims on behalf of the Federal Government. The recovered body was found in a nearby river.

A team of 200 rescuers has been conducting the search since Saturday, utilizing excavators, specially-trained search dogs, drones, and army helicopters. However, William Kloter from the Swiss police, leading the rescue operations, indicated that the chances of finding the missing individuals alive are slim. Search efforts were paused overnight due to heavy rain.

The rockslide affected a group of three houses in the municipality of Lostallo in the Alpine valley of Misox in Graubünden.

Additionally, Swiss authorities reported that a portion of the A13 motorway leading to Italy was completely submerged and destroyed by flooding. This major transit route will likely remain closed between the San Bernardino Pass and Roveredo for several months.

6 killed, 19 others Injured In Equador After Heavy Rains Trigger Landslide

June 17, 2024, 7:21 pm

At least six people have been killed and 19 others injured in Ecuador after heavy rainstorms triggered a landslide, according to Al Jazeera. The National Secretariat for Risk Management reported that the deadly mudslide occurred on Sunday in the central Ecuadorian city of Baños de Agua Santa. Initially, authorities stated that 30 additional people were missing but later announced they had been found.

Heavy machinery has been dispatched to clear the roads, per Al Jazeera’s report. Miguel Guevara, the mayor of Baños, urged locals to avoid dangerous roads and mentioned that efforts were underway to clear the northern coast region to facilitate further searches.

Baños is a popular tourist destination known for its volcanoes and craters and serves as a gateway to Amazon jungle adventures. It is approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) south of Quito by plane and 186 kilometers (115 miles) by car.

In the canton of Chambo, the Ecuadorian military worked with emergency services to evacuate residents after heavy rains caused a nearby river to overflow. Roberto Luque, Ecuador’s Minister of Public Works, noted that the storm affected operations at three hydroelectric plants. “My solidarity with all the families that have been affected,” Luque wrote on X.

Recent rainstorms have swept across Central and South America, raising concerns about potential flooding, rock falls, and landslides. Earlier this week, a landslide in El Salvador claimed the lives of two children, prompting the civil protection agency to issue a red alert due to severe rains.

India Extends $1 Million Relief Aid to Landslide-Stricken Papua New Guinea

May 28, 2024, 2:13 pm

Following the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea that claimed the lives of over 650 individuals, India announced immediate relief assistance amounting to USD 1 million to the affected nation. Expressing solidarity with Papua New Guinea, which recently faced a massive landslide in its Enga Province resulting in extensive loss of life and property, India pledged its support.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences and assured India’s willingness to provide all possible aid to the Pacific island nation during this challenging period. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of USD 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.”

India has consistently stood by Papua New Guinea in times of calamity, including previous instances such as the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management are significant components of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), as announced by Prime Minister Modi in November 2019. The statement emphasized India’s commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), affirming its role as a responsible and steadfast responder.

The magnitude of the landslide is staggering, with over 2000 individuals feared buried under debris. Lusete Laso Mana, Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, described the devastation in a letter to the UN, highlighting the significant impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy. Yambali village alone saw more than 150 houses engulfed by the landslide.

Authorities have flagged the area as posing an “extreme risk” due to ongoing rockfalls and heightened pressure on exposed soil, underscoring the urgent need for support and assistance in the region.

Papua New Guinea: Over 2,000 People Feared Buried In A Landslide

May 27, 2024, 1:40 pm

Papua New Guinea has alerted the United Nations to a devastating landslide that reportedly buried more than 2,000 people in a remote village, according to a letter obtained by AFP. The country’s national disaster center conveyed to the UN office in Port Moresby that the landslide, triggered by a collapse on Mount Mungalo, resulted in significant destruction.

The catastrophe struck a once-vibrant hillside village in Enga province, virtually obliterating it as homes and residents were engulfed in the early hours of Friday. The disaster center highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on buildings, agricultural lands, and the country’s economic infrastructure.

Moreover, the critical highway leading to the Porgera Mine has been rendered impassable due to complete blockage, as stated in the letter received by UN officials on Monday morning. The situation remains precarious as ongoing landslips pose continuous threats to both rescue operations and survivors.

In response to the crisis in Papua New Guinea, the disaster center called for immediate and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including the army and national and regional responders. It urged the UN to disseminate information to Papua New Guinea’s development partners and international allies, emphasizing the need for coordinated assistance through the disaster center.

UN Migration Agency Reports Over 670 Fatalities In Papua New Guinea Landslide

May 26, 2024, 6:57 pm

Following a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, the International Organization for Migration has increased its estimate of the death toll to over 670, according to Al Jazeera. The head of the UN agency’s mission in the South Pacific island nation, Serhan Aktoprak, announced on Sunday that the updated death toll was assessed by officials from Yambali village and Enga province, who estimated that over 150 houses had been submerged by the landslide as of Friday.

Previously, the number of destroyed houses was estimated to be 60. “They are estimating that more than 670 people [are] under the soil at the moment,” Aktoprak said, according to Al Jazeera. “The situation is terrible with the land still sliding. The water is running and this is creating a massive risk for everyone involved,” he added.

Tribal warfare and unstable ground hindered rescue efforts as emergency personnel moved survivors to safer areas. The landslide notably affected Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, about 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, on Friday. Videos shared on social media show residents scaling massive rocks and pulling bodies from rubble and beneath trees. Additionally, the landslide has blocked the access road to Porgera town, where a large gold mine is located, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Deadly Landslide In Papua New Guinea Claims Over 100 Lives

May 24, 2024, 11:41 am

A massive landslide in a remote village of Papua New Guinea, specifically Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, has resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people. The incident occurred around 3 am and has left the village devastated. Villagers are currently engaged in recovering the bodies.

Although the residents estimate the death toll to be above 100, official confirmation from authorities is pending. Elizabeth Laruma, the president of the Porgera Women in Business Association, described the tragedy as houses being flattened by the side of a mountain collapsing.

“It has occurred when people were still asleep in the early hours and the entire village has gone down,” Laruma added.”From what I can presume, it’s about 100-plus people who are buried beneath the ground.” However, it is not yet clear whether emergency services have visited the remote area, as reported by ABC News.

Ninga Role, who is from Kaokalam but is attending university in Madang, said he received news of the damage this morning. He highlighted that according to his estimates, at least four of his relatives had been killed in the landslide. The videos shared on social media show residents scaling huge rocks and pulling bodies from rubble and beneath trees. “But it is difficult work”, Role stressed.

“There are some huge stones and plants, trees. The buildings (have) collapsed,” he said. “These things are making it hard to find the bodies fast.” Moreover, the landslide has also blocked the access road to the Porgera town, where a large gold mine is located, ABC reported.

Laruma said that people in the area were concerned about access to goods and services. “When this road is being closed off – and I don’t know how long it’s going to take – it’s going to have a really big impact on the people out there in terms of goods, fuel and services,” she said. “It’s going to have a big impact on the lives of the people of Porgera and the mine as well.” She further called on the PNG government and non-governmental organisations to provide aid with immediate relief to the area

Rudraprayag: Over 10 missing due to landslide, investigation is on

August 4, 2023, 12:05 pm

According to authorities, around a dozen people were reported missing when two stores fell in a landslide caused by severe rains in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district late Thursday night.

According to Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Visakha, there are more than ten people whose whereabouts are unknown. A search for missing people is currently underway.

“This incident was reported around midnight. More than ten people are said to have gone missing after the landslide incident and their whereabouts are not known yet,” SP Visakha. “An operation is going on to find the missing people,” he said.

Furthermore, a disaster management official stated that the State Disaster Response Force and the National Disaster Response Force, as well as other teams, are on the scene.

“District administration team, disaster management team and police team, State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force along with other teams are present on the spot but due to torrential rains, the rescue team is not able to locate the people trapped inside the shops”, said Dalip Singh Rajwar, Disaster Management Officer.

Earlier on Thursday, the Gangotri National Highway was stopped to vehicles 500 meters before Bhatwadi owing to falling debris. Furthermore, officials stated earlier on Tuesday that debris had blocked the route near Pipalkoti on the Badrinath National Highway.

HP: Flash floods, landslide hit Lahaul and Spiti, but no casualties

July 9, 2023, 10:31 am

In the early hours of Sunday, Gramphu village and Chota Dharra both experienced flash floods and landslides, according to an official statement. There were no reported casualties in the incident. According to a statement released by the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operations Center (HPSEOC), “District Emergency Operation Center Lahaul Spiti informed an incident of Flash Flood and Landslide reported along the AEC BRO 94 RCC, NH 505 (Sumdo Kaza-Gramphu) which is blocked at different locations between Gramphu to Chota Dharra.” HP SEOC said a group of 30 college students were rescued safely after they were struck on the road due to a landslide.
“A Group of 30 Collage Students travelling on Bhavna Travelers (2 Travelers’ vehicle) from Spiti to Manali. They were stuck on the road due to road blocking. All 30 College students were rescued safely,” the statement read further.
Men and resources would be deployed to clear the debris once the weather improves, officials informed.

Two killled and 20 vehicles buried in Landslide near Torkham border

April 18, 2023, 3:44 pm

According to Voice of America (VoA), a massive landslide in northwestern Pakistan killed at least two individuals and several got injured ,buried over 20 vehicles.
The landslide occured early Tuesday morning on the road connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan. Over 20 trucks were buried in the accident, which occurred near a border crossing on the Khyber Pass, an important commercial route between South Asian countries, number of persons were also hurt.

Officials said a heavy rain storm overnight could have triggered the landslide.
Bilal Faizi, spokesman for the Rescue 1122 service in the province, told Al Jazeera that the landslide took place before dawn after rain and thunderstorm were reported in the area.

Faizi said authorities have launched a search operation to look for people trapped under the landslide. He said there could be more than 20 vehicles, including large trucks, under the rubble.

“This is not a small landslide that can be cleaned up quickly. We have more than 60 people working here to remove the rubble. It’s like an entire mountain has collapsed,” Al Jazeera quoted Faizi as saying.

Earlier, in March, Torkham border was closed for several hours owing to a protest by the Khugakhel tribesmen in the Landi Kotal region of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against the construction of a customs terminal at the border over their additional land without their formal consent, Dawn reported.
The agitated Khugakhel tribesmen agreed to open the road, which was closed at Torkham bypass in Landi Kotal after a group of their negotiating team held a series of talks with relevant officials.

Bridge collapses after landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba: No causalities reported

February 5, 2023, 12:16 pm

Traffic on Chamba-Bharmour National Highway came to a grinding halt after a bridge collapsed following a landslide incident in Himachal’s Chamba district on Sunday morning, officials said.

According to State Emergency Operation Centre officials, the incident took place at Loona area of Bharmour village in the outskirts of Chamba district.

“An incident of Landslide occurred at Loona Bharmour District Chamba. In the Incident bridge has been totally collapsed and (NH-154 A) Chamba to Bharmour has been totally snapped,” Chamba district emergency operation centre (DEOC) officials said in a statement.

However, no casualty has been reported, DEOC officials added. According to Chamba Deputy Commissioner D C Rana, it was a 20 meters long bridge on the national highway 154-A that connects Bharmour sub division (tribal area) with Chamba. “Road connectivity to the entire area has been disrupted after the incident,” Rana said.

“An incident of bridge collapse occurred at Choli Bridge near Holi District Chamba at around 7.30 pm. In this incident, the bridge collapsed completely and due to these two vehicles – a car and a tipper truck fell down,” DEOC officials had said.

J-K: Shut due to landslide at Dewal Bridge, NH reopens

January 22, 2023, 5:29 pm

After clearing operations, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which had been closed following a landslide at the Dewal Bridge, reopened on Sunday for stranded vehicles.

The Dewal Bridge in Samroli, Udhampur, had a landslide earlier on Sunday, closing the National Highway. When the rescue crew arrived, they began the process of restoration and reopening. More information is awaited

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to lead Joshimath rescue and rehabilitation operations

January 6, 2023, 12:06 pm

In the wake of the land subsidence at Joshimath in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will hold a high level meeting in Dehradun this evening. “I will hold a high-level meeting with top officials in Dehradun this evening regarding landslides in Joshimath and cracks in houses. A team from BJP has also been sent there,” Uttarakhand CM said.

Apart from the officials of the Disaster Management, Irrigation, Home Department, Commissioner Garhwal Mandal and District Magistrate Chamoli will also participate in the meeting. Dhami further said that he would visit Joshimath on Saturday and take stock of the situation.

Not to mention, BJP state unit has formed a 14-member committee under the coordination of the party’s state general secretary Aditya Kothari to assess the land subsidence incident and the damages being reported. Severe landslides are being reported Joshimath, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Cracks have reportedly developed in as many as 561 houses in Joshimath as a result of continued land subsidence in the town, stated the District Disaster Management Department. Following the appearance of cracks in the houses, a total of 66 families are reported to have migrated from Joshimath as of now.

The Uttarakhand government has formed a team of scientists to find out the reason behind the occurrence of land subsidence in Joshimath and the resultant damage reported to the houses. The team will be visiting the spot and investigate the reason behind the land subsidence, said an official statement from the government.

“Now the process of increasing cracks in Singhdhar and Marwadi has started. Badrinath NH near Singhdhar Jain locality and JP Company Gate in Marwadi, near the forest department check post, is continuously cracking. This crack is increasing every hour which is worrying,” said Joshimath Municipal Chairman Shailendra Pawar.

Land Subsidence Engulfs Uttrakhand’s Joshimath

December 31, 2022, 4:51 pm

The incident of land subsidence in the Joshimath town of the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand has made people flee from their houses to safer places This is also known as the vertical sinking of the land in an area.

A total of nine wards of Joshimath town have been affected by landslides. Due to the winter season, the cracks in the walls and the floors of the houses are getting deeper with each passing day.

Municipal President of Joshimath, Shailendra Pawar said more than 3000 people had been evacuated from 576 houses in the area affected by the landslide. “All the houses are being surveyed by the municipality. Many people have also left their homes,” he said.

According to the reports, soon a meeting will be held with the Chief Minister of Uttrakhand with the demand for rehabilitation for the people affected by the subsidence.

2 dead, 51 missing after landslide in Malaysia

December 16, 2022, 8:00 am

A landslide struck a campsite in Malaysia on Friday in which two were killed and more than 51 people are missing. Meanwhile, for the survivors, rescue and search operations are underway. The state fire and rescue department stated, “The landslide in Selangor state, on the outskirts of the capital, Kuala Lumpur, occurred about 3 a.m. (1900 GMT) on the side of a road near a farmhouse that provides camping facilities.” In the landslide, 79 people were caught of which 23 were found safe and 51 are still missing.

Massive landslide occurs in Achham district of Nepal; 22 killed, 10 injured

September 18, 2022, 11:29 am

Due to a landslide in Nepal’s Achham district, about 450 km (281 miles) west of the capital city of Kathmandu, many homes were destroyed and many people have fallen victim to it as some of them are injured and some have lost their lives. Officials said on Sunday that the rescuers in Nepal battled against the torrential rains and pulled bodies from the wreckage of homes buried because of the landslide, and it has been reported that 22 people have lost their lives while 10 have been injured so far.

According to the official data, at least 70 people have been killed and 13 have gone missing across the country in flash floods and landslides this year alone.

The police, military and volunteers are still looking for the missing people in Achham district. Authorities have recovered the body of a fisherman who was swept away due to the landlide and reached the Kailali district due to the overflowing Geta river.

Yagya Raj Joshi, an official in Kailali, said about 1,500 people displaced because of the floods were sheltered in public buildings.

Local media broadcasted images of swathes of farms inundated by flood waters, a destroyed suspension bridge and villagers wading through chest-deep water.