HP landslide: President Kovind condoles loss of lives in Mandi

New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday condoled the loss of lives in the devastating landslide that hit Himachal Pradesh's Mandi on Saturday. In a message to Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat, the President said "I am sad to learn about the massive landslides in Himachal Pradesh in which a number of bus passengers lost their lives and others sustained injuries." He said that his thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the landslides. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the landslides. I am sure that the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to bereaved families as well as medical assistance to the injured," he said. "Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured," he further added. The death toll rose to 46, as more bodies were recovered by Sunday late evening. "46 bodies have been recovered so far in the devastating landslide. The rescue operation is still underway," Mandi deputy commissioner Sandeep Kadam said. The landslide hit Mandi on Saturday. Meanwhile, according to Simla's Indian Meteorological Department, parts of Himachal Pradesh's Chamba, Kangra and Una districts may receive heavy rainfall in the next three to four hours. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who visited the site earlier in the day, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh each for next of kin of the deceased. Kadam had earlier confirmed that "three vehicles were stranded after the landslide. A bus had also rolled down to nearly 800 meters from the National Highway and four people have been rescued from the debris". (ANI)