Himachal Pradesh: 263 lives lost, Chandigarh–Manali highway shut after landslides

Mandi district reported the highest number of road blockages with 201 closures, followed by 63 in Kullu and 27 in Kangra File pic.

The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is currently blocked after multiple landslides and flash floods struck the area, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in the region. The situation has caused major disruptions in movement along one of the state's most critical routes, reported ANI.

Himachal Pradesh is facing intense rainfall conditions accompanied by flash floods and cloudbursts, which have led to widespread destruction of public infrastructure and claimed hundreds of lives during this monsoon season.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), as of the evening of August 17, a total of 352 roads remain closed across the state. This includes three major national highways. In addition, 1,067 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are out of service and 116 water supply schemes have been disrupted, reported ANI.

Since June 20, the ongoing monsoon-related havoc has claimed 263 lives. Out of these, 136 deaths occurred in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 127 people were killed in road accidents.

Mandi district reported the highest number of road blockages with 201 closures, followed by 63 in Kullu and 27 in Kangra. National highways have also been affected, with NH-305 in Kullu, NH-05 in Kinnaur, and NH-21 in Mandi blocked due to landslides and flooding, reported ANI.

The state's power supply has been badly hit, with Kullu district reporting 557 transformers disrupted, followed by 385 in Mandi and 112 in Lahaul-Spiti. Water supply schemes have also suffered damage, including 44 schemes affected in Mandi and nine in Kullu.

As reported by ANI, officials confirmed that restoration work is underway on an urgent basis. However, frequent landslides, ongoing heavy rainfall, and blockages in high-altitude regions continue to slow down progress.

"The situation remains grim in several districts, especially in Mandi, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti, where heavy rainfall continues to hamper road connectivity, power supply, and water services," the HPSDMA stated, reported ANI.

Officials further added that Mandi has seen the most severe damage to road connectivity, with 201 closures, including the strategic NH-03. In Kullu, 63 roads remain blocked, including NH-305 at Khanag. Meanwhile, in Kinnaur, traffic has been disrupted along NH-05 due to a landslide at Tinku Nalla.

(With inputs from ANI)