A policeman and three others were feared dead after back-to-back landslides hit a mega power project site in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir Saturday evening.
A police sub-inspector and a few other people were rescued in injured condition following the incident at the Drabshalla-Ratle hydroelectric project.
The body of one person has been recovered while three to four persons are still trapped and feared dead, according to the officials.
Among those trapped is an operator of an earth mover, said officials cited above.
As the rescue operation was launched, they said, there was another landslide, trapping a few more persons. Those rescued were rushed to a nearby hospital in Doda district.
A senior police officer said that efforts are underway to rescue the trapped persons.
“Chances of survival seem grim but efforts are underway to rescue them,” he said. Asked about the number of people trapped inside, he said, “three to four”. “Rescue is on and the exact number would be known shortly.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish over the mishap and said that the district administration has been directed to provide all the necessary assistance.
“Deeply anguished by mishap at Drabshalla- Ratle hydroelectric project. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for early recovery of injured,” he said in a tweet, adding, “Army, SDRF (state disaster response force) and the police are carrying out rescue operations. District administration (has been) directed to provide all necessary assistance.”
In a Facebook post, Union Minister Dr Jatinder Singh said that the JCB driver died on spot.
“The rescue team of about six persons, deputed to the site after the incident, has also got unfortunately trapped under the debris. All efforts are being made to retrieve and save the trapped persons. Further assistance, as required, is being provided.”
The minister further said he was in constant touch with the district administration.