Friday, August 11, 2023
The Chandigarh-Manali national highway, a crucial route connecting Mandi and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, has been severely disrupted due to extensive landslides triggered by heavy overnight rainfall, as confirmed by local authorities. The impact of these landslides has led to significant damage to the highway near Pandoh in the Mandi district, rendering the road impassable. This unfortunate event has resulted in the stranding of numerous vehicles on both sides of the affected area.
In response to the situation, authorities have taken measures to halt vehicular traffic beyond Mandi in the direction of Kullu and vice versa, prioritizing the safety of travelers. Furthermore, the alternative road link connecting Mandi and Kullu through Kataula has also been hindered by a massive landslide near Kamad, compounding the transportation challenges in the region.
Given the circumstances, local district administrations in Mandi and Kullu have issued advisories, urging travelers to postpone their journeys along the Mandi-Kullu route until the highway can be fully restored. Efforts are underway to repair the highway, with expectations that restoration work will be completed later in the day.
The disruption is not limited to the Chandigarh-Manali highway alone; the Chandigarh-Shimla national highway has also experienced traffic disruptions due to landslides near Solan town. These adverse weather conditions can be attributed to an active western disturbance, leading to intense periods of precipitation in several districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur.
Officials from the meteorological office have emphasized the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall in the mentioned districts. Additionally, reports indicate that rivers such as the Satluj, Beas, and Yamuna, along with their tributaries, are flowing at elevated levels in Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur districts. These rivers eventually flow into the states of Punjab and Haryana, raising concerns about potential flooding and water-related issues in those areas.
In light of the ongoing situation, authorities are diligently working to address the challenges posed by the landslides and inclement weather, while urging residents and travelers to remain cautious and stay updated on the latest developments.
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