Manali, August 26: Severe rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has triggered landslides and flash floods, shutting down the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway and putting downstream areas of Punjab on high alert. Officials said the swelling Beas River and its tributaries continue to rise dangerously, prompting large-scale evacuations and rescue efforts.
The highway, a crucial lifeline for locals and tourists, has been blocked at several key points. Major slides at Dwada and Jhalogi in Mandi district have left the stretch between Mandi and Kullu impassable, while near Bindu Dhank close to Manali, a large section of the road was swept away by floodwaters. “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 noted.
In Manali, the situation worsened when a restaurant along the riverbank was washed away, underlining the immediate threat posed by the swollen river. The Beas is flowing above the danger mark in Mandi and Kullu, raising concerns for residents in low-lying neighborhoods.
Authorities said people from Bahang and the Alu Ground areas were evacuated late last night as a precaution. In one dramatic rescue, officials pulled a man to safety from a building in Alu Ground after sudden flooding trapped him inside. Locals and tourists have been told to stay away from riverbanks and avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Emergency services, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), remain on standby as meteorologists predict more rainfall. Officials said restoration work on the damaged stretches of the highway will begin once the weather stabilizes and debris from the landslides is cleared.
Meanwhile, Punjab has issued a flood alert as swollen rivers from the hills rush downstream, inundating farmland and disrupting life across several districts. With rivers gushing into the plains, officials said efforts are underway to contain the situation and monitor vulnerable areas.
“The region is on high alert and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure safety,” officials stated, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
