After a 24-hour ordeal, the Delhi Manali highway has finally reopened, bringing relief to nearly 2,000 stranded people, mostly tourists. The road closure was caused by a blockade on the national highway connecting Mandi and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, causing a massive traffic jam and leaving people without accommodation or information on the length of the delay.
The blockade was triggered by heavy rain and landslides, making the road inaccessible and creating a chaotic situation for those stuck in traffic. Stranded people, including tourists and locals, faced uncertainty and growing concern for their well-being as they waited for the road to reopen.
Heavy rains in the Mandi district wreaked havoc, causing significant damage to infrastructure, houses and vehicles. Landslides and flash floods disrupted multiple roads, exacerbating the challenges faced by the stranded.
The Mandi-Pathankot road was inaccessible for nearly four hours due to a flash flood at Swad nullah, near Ghatasni. Similarly, the Mandi-Kullu highway experienced a blockade near Kamand, while the Chandigarh-Manali highway was affected near Aut in Mandi.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood warning for Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the high probability of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in the region. Kangra, Mandi and Solan districts are particularly at risk, with possible consequences such as traffic congestion, reduced visibility and power outages.
According to the IMD, there is a high probability of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in isolated locations over the plains, as well as in the low and mid foothills on June 25 and 26. Flash floods are expected in Kangra, Mandi and Solan districts, leading to potential traffic congestion, reduced visibility and power outages.
Keep Reading
- Climate change, and urban sprawl cause more landslides
- Manipur landslides in railway project raise environmental questions
- 1 dead in landslide in Shimla; Cloudburst hits Himachal’s Kullu
Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on GReport2018@gmail.com.
