Himachal Pradesh: Kullu-Mandi highway closed following landslide amidst monsoon deluge

Kullu-Mandi highway`s stretch near Pandoh collapsed/ Pic/X

In the wake of heavy rainfall wreaking havoc in Himachal Pradesh, the Kullu-Mandi National Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide. Several landslides and rain-related incidents have been plaguing the region, leading to significant casualties and infrastructural damage, ANI report stated. The Kullu-Mandi National Highway has been rendered inaccessible following a landslide triggered by intense rainfall in the district. The Deputy Commissioner of Kullu released an official traffic update via 'X,' confirming that the road is closed due to the recent landslide.

Efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore traffic flow on the Kullu-Mandi route. The district authorities are diligently working to rectify the situation and reopen the affected highway for public use. Meanwhile, they have begun diverting the stranded vehicles via an alternative road opened from Pandoh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur was quoted assaying. He added that request for additional police force in Mandi and Kullu was made and Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu in response assured deploying 50 personnel each in two districts.

IN PHOTOS: Rescue and relief operations underway after heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh

1 year agoPHOTO GALLERY

The incessant monsoon rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in a spate of landslides and cloudbursts across various regions. Tragically, the State Disaster Management Authority reported that this year alone, 367 lives have been lost in rain-related incidents since the monsoon commenced on June 24. Beyond the loss of human lives, the state has also experienced a substantial economic setback. The disaster management authority predicts a monetary loss of nearly Rs 12,000 crore due to the damages caused by the ongoing monsoon. The situation has been particularly dire, with an average of seven deaths daily attributed to rain-linked occurrences.

In response to the crisis, the state government has taken measures to assess the causes behind the destruction. Special teams have been formed for this purpose, and experts from various states are being brought in to contribute their insights and expertise.

The situation has led to the suspension of traffic on eight major roads in Shimla and its surrounding areas due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, earlier in the week, landslides, uprooted trees, and other rain-related incidents prompted the closure of 13 major roads across the district.

Himachal Pradesh has already recorded a staggering 113 landslides during this monsoon season, underlining the severity of the weather-induced challenges faced by the state.