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Shimla/Chandigarh: Incessant monsoon rains have triggered massive landslides and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh, leaving the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway battered and traffic completely halted between Mandi and Manali. Punjab has been put on high alert as swollen rivers continue to surge downstream, inundating farmlands and low-lying areas.
Heavy downpour since Sunday night has swollen the Beas River and its tributaries, forcing emergency evacuations and rescue operations. Officials confirmed multiple critical blockages along the highway, with major landslides at Dwada and Jhalogi in Mandi district making the Mandi–Kullu stretch impassable. Near Bindu Dhank, close to Manali, floodwaters washed away a large section of the road, snapping connectivity to the popular tourist town.
In a dramatic incident, a riverside restaurant in Manali was swept away by the gushing Beas, underlining the ferocity of the current. The river is flowing well above the danger mark in both Mandi and Kullu, posing serious risks to residents in low-lying areas.
As a precaution, the Manali administration evacuated residents from Bahang and Alu Ground late last night. A timely SDRF operation rescued one person trapped inside a building in Alu Ground after sudden flooding. Authorities have appealed to locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks for at least the next 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 administration spokesperson said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast no immediate respite, issuing a yellow alert for the next two days followed by an orange alert for heavy rainfall until September 1.
The damage across Himachal is mounting. Until Monday evening, 793 roads were reported blocked, while 956 power distribution transformers and 517 water supply schemes were disrupted. Officials warned the numbers are likely to rise after fresh overnight rains. All schools and colleges in Shimla district have been ordered shut today as a safety measure.
Meanwhile, Punjab remains braced for possible flooding as rivers fed by torrential hill rain continue to rise, threatening to submerge large stretches of farmland. Emergency services in both states are on high alert, with restoration work to begin once weather conditions improve and debris is cleared.
