15 families evacuated in Himachal after landslides

At least 15 families were Saturday evacuated from two villages in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district after landslides, following a downpour, posed a threat to their houses, an official said.

The affected villages are Chohla and Patola in Kajlot panchayat overlooking Dharamsala town, 275 km from the state capital.

The property loss in the landslips is yet to be ascertained, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Balbir Thakur said.

"The affected families have been shifted to nearby areas and given an ex-gratia of Rs.5,000 each along with necessary rations," he added.

Shiv Charan, vice president of the Kajlot panchayat, said the landslips started Friday evening but help from the district administration reached only Saturday.

Officials said the affected villages are located near the site identified for setting up the permanent campus of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.