Himachal landslide: Death toll rises to 46, rescue operation underway

The death toll in the devastating landslide that hit Himachal Pradesh's Mandi has risen 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".