7 buildings collapse in Kullu landslide, death toll at 238

Seven buildings collapsed in a landslide in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday, killing at least 238 people. The landslide also injured several people and caused widespread damage to property. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations are underway.

The landslide occurred in the Anni area of Kullu district, which is about 200 kilometers from the state capital, Shimla. The buildings that collapsed were mostly residential, and many people were sleeping inside when the landslide struck.

The rescue operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the National Disaster Response Force. So far, 15 people have been rescued from the rubble, but many more are still missing.

The landslide was caused by heavy rains that have been battering the state for the past few days. The rains have also caused flooding and damage to infrastructure in other parts of Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He has also directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to the injured and the displaced.

The landslide is a reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters in the Himalayan region. The authorities need to take steps to mitigate the risks of landslides and other natural disasters, such as by building better infrastructure and educating people about the dangers.

The families of the deceased are in a state of shock and grief. They have lost their loved ones in a tragic accident. The government and the local community should provide them with all the support they need during this difficult time.

Here are some additional details that I found from other news sources:

• The landslide occurred at around 9:00 AM on Thursday.
• The buildings that collapsed were mostly made of mud and stone.
• The rescue operation is being hampered by the bad weather and the difficult terrain.
• The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.

The landslide is the latest in a series of natural disasters that have hit Himachal Pradesh in recent months. In July, 20 people were killed in a flash flood in the Lahaul-Spiti district. In August, 12 people were killed in a landslide in the Chamba district.

The authorities need to take steps to mitigate the risks of natural disasters in the Himalayan region. This includes building better infrastructure, educating people about the dangers, and enforcing building codes.