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Thenewsdose.com
Mandi/Kangra,July 29,UPDATED:9.50AM
Heavy overnight rainfall triggered devastating flash floods and massive landslides across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, disrupting connectivity and essential services.
In Mandi district, a sudden deluge on Jail Road in Tungal Colony claimed three lives, left one person missing, and injured another. According to officials, four members of a family stepped out of their home in the early hours to move their vehicle to safety when a powerful gush of floodwater swept three of them away. Rescue teams have recovered two bodies, while search operations are underway to locate the missing person. One family member suffered a fractured leg and remains hospitalised in critical condition.
The flash floods washed away dozens of vehicles, damaged several homes, and deposited muck and debris across large parts of the town. District authorities, assisted by State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and local volunteers, are clearing debris and providing relief, including temporary shelters, medical aid, and food supplies.
Connectivity across the region has been severely hit. The Chandigarh–Manali National Highway is blocked at multiple points, notably at 4 Miles and 9 Miles near Pandoh, cutting off traffic between Mandi and Kullu. The Mandi–Pathankot highway is also closed following a landslide at Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar, while several interior roads remain impassable. Authorities have urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, in Kangra district, a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway to Dharamsala in the early hours, stranding hundreds of vehicles and disrupting essential supplies such as milk and newspaper delivery. Despite the gravity of the situation, no officials from the district administration, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), or the Public Works Department (PWD) reached the site for hours, drawing sharp public criticism.
“This is the only main access road to Dharamsala and McLeodganj, and yet there’s been no immediate response,” said a stranded newspaper delivery van driver. The incident has once again highlighted the fragility of road infrastructure in the hill state during the monsoon season. The weather department has forecast more rain over the next 48 hours, heightening concerns of additional landslides and prolonged disruptions.
