Cloudburst Causes Flash Flood, Closes Section of Leh-Manali Road
Cloudburst Causes Flash Flood, Closes Section of Leh-Manali Road
Vehicular Traffic Disrupted; Diversions Implemented as Damage Assessment Continues
A portion of the Leh-Manali Road, specifically the stretch between Dhundi and Palchan Bridge on National Highway-3, has been closed due to a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst at Anjani Mahadev nullah in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, has not resulted in any reported casualties, according to police.
Officials have announced that vehicles traveling to Manali from Lahaul and Spiti via the Atal Tunnel’s north portal have been redirected through Rohtang. The Lahaul and Spiti police have advised commuters to travel only if necessary, exercise caution, and remain alert to potential hazards.
The flash flood has led to the closure of 15 roads across Himachal Pradesh, including 12 in Mandi, two in Kinnaur, and one in Kangra district. Additionally, 62 transformers were disrupted on Wednesday night, as reported by the state emergency operation center. There have been preliminary reports of damage to a power project and several houses, though officials are still assessing the extent of the damage.
The local Met office has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh until July 28. The alert warns of potential damage to plantations, crops, and vulnerable structures, including ‘kutcha’ houses, due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, rain-related incidents in the state have resulted in 49 fatalities and estimated losses of approximately ₹389 crore, as reported by the emergency operation center.
