Himachal landslides: 12 bodies recovered

Shimla: More than 20 people were feared dead after massive landslides washed away and buried the two buses in Himachal Pradesh today. Twelve bodies have been recovered so far from the debris, sources said. About one dozen injured have been rushed to the Mandi hospital.

Official report said that seven earth removers and 50 workers were pressed into clearing the muck. Teams of Army, NDRF, along with Public Works Department have launched the rescue operation. Eight bodies were recovered from the Manali-Katra bus.

The deceased have been identified as Manju (20), resident of Karsog; Shubham (21), resident of Shimla; Suchitra (19), resident of Shimla; Joyti Sharma (18), resident of Shimla; Anita (23), resident of Jogindernagar; Suruchi Thakur (22), resident of Joginderngar; and Neha Khadun, resident of Mandi. One body was yet to be identified. Four bodies were recovered from Chamba-Manali bus. They are yet to be identified. Shimla District Administration has released number of helpline: 0195226201,226202,226203 and 226204. (UNI)