Landslide kills at least 15 as heavy rain triggers slope collapse in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
A rain-triggered landslide struck a passenger bus near Bhallu Bridge in Jhandutta subdivision, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, at around 18:30 LT on October 7, 2025, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others. The bus, carrying around 30 to 35 passengers, was buried under debris after a hillside collapsed amid intense rainfall. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities are searching for survivors as operations continue overnight.
District officials confirmed at least 15 fatalities, with the number expected to rise as operations continue. Three people, including two children, were rescued alive and hospitalized. The vehicle reportedly carried 30 to 35 passengers at the time of the collapse.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), supported by state and district emergency services, has deployed heavy machinery to remove boulders and mud obstructing the road. Steep terrain and continuing rain are hindering excavation and visibility.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia of INR 200 000 (USD 2 400) for each deceased and INR 50 000 (USD 600) for the injured. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that specialized NDRF teams reached the site shortly after midnight to support ongoing rescue efforts.
Meteorological records from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) show Bilaspur received 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of rain on October 7, substantially higher than its daily normal, following consecutive wet days across Himachal Pradesh.
The report, issued just after midnight (LT) on October 8, noted widespread light-to-moderate rainfall with localized heavy bursts during the 24-hour period. Such saturation of surface layers contributes to slope failures typical of Himachal’s post-monsoon terrain.
The region remains highly prone to landslides during post-monsoon instability phases.
According to the Geological Survey of India, Bilaspur and adjoining Mandi districts lie within Landslide Susceptibility Zones II–III, characterized by weathered shale and steep road cuts that often fail after intense rainfall.
Local authorities have temporarily suspended heavy-vehicle traffic along the Jhandutta–Ghumarwin route and advised residents to avoid unstable slopes. The state disaster management department has warned of additional slope failures if rainfall continues.
Featured image: Deadly landslide hits Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, on October 7, 2025. Credit: The Indian Express (stillshot)
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