Severe monsoon rains have triggered landslides and flooding, causing heavy damage to the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway. Traffic between Mandi and Manali has come to a complete halt.
With rivers in the hills swollen, Punjab has also been put on flood alert. Water from the overflowing rivers is rushing into the plains, flooding large areas and disrupting normal life.
Since last night, heavy rainfall has caused the Beas River and its tributaries to swell dangerously. This has forced emergency evacuations and rescue operations.
Officials said the highway was blocked at several key points. Major landslides at Dwada and Jhalogi in Mandi have made the Mandi–Kullu stretch impassable. Near Bindu Dhank, close to Manali, a large part of the road was washed away by the flooded Beas, cutting off access to the popular tourist destination.
In Manali, a restaurant built close to the riverbank was swept away by the strong current, showing the growing danger of the rising river. The Beas is now flowing above the danger mark in both Mandi and Kullu, raising serious concerns for people living in low-lying areas.
As a preventive measure, the Manali administration evacuated residents from Bahang and Alu Ground late Monday night. One person trapped in a flooded building in Alu Ground was brought out safely.
The authorities have urged locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks for at least 24 hours. “The water level in the Beas and its tributaries continues to rise due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Public safety is our top priority,” an official said.
The region is on high alert as weather forecasts warn of more rain. SDRF teams are on standby, and damaged stretches of the highway will be repaired once conditions improve and debris is cleared. Officials have advised people to avoid non-essential travel and not attempt to cross flooded or blocked roads. The administration is monitoring the situation closely.
No respite from heavy rains
The Weather Department has said there would be no respite from the rain this week. A yellow alert has been issued for the next two days, followed by an orange alert for heavy rain until September 1.
The state has already been reeling under weeks of continuous rainfall, which has caused widespread damage to life and property.
Until last evening, 793 roads were blocked. Power supply was hit after 956 transformers were damaged, and 517 water supply schemes were disrupted. These numbers are expected to rise after last night’s downpour at various regions.
With heavy rains predicted, all schools and colleges in Shimla district will remain closed today.
Also Read: Schools closed in five districts in Himachal after rains
Follow us
