Landslide leaves 2,000 stranded near Manali

Tribune News Service

Mandi, May 17

Heavy rain triggered a massive landslide at 14 Mod, near Gulaba, on Friday evening, leaving nearly 2,000 tourists stranded. Sources said nearly 600 tourist vehicles were stuck between Gulaba and Marhi. 

Since it had been raining heavily since morning, tourist vehicles were allowed only till Marhi on the Manali-Leh highway. To enjoy snow, some tourists proceeded towards the Beas nullah and Marhi. However, rain triggered a massive landslide in the evening, leaving the commuters stranded.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel have been deployed near the Rohtang Pass to clear the route. 

According to information, many tourists have started journey on foot to Manali due to delay in the restoration work.

SDM, Manali, Ashwani Kumar said the landslide took place in the evening and he received information around 5 pm. “We have deployed machinery to clear road for vehicular movement. The road is likely to be restored by late in the evening. 

The Manali SDM said all tourists would soon be evacuated from the area.

Snow in higher reaches

The higher reaches of Dhauladhars and Chhota and Bara Bhangal witnessed snowfall, while the lower reaches were lashed by heavy  rain on Friday. Causing inconvenience to locals, snow and rain snapped power lines in the area.  The Thamsar Pass and Bara Bhangal  recorded 30-cm snow. Keeping in view the  inclement weather,  the  Election Commission has arranged buses and private vehicles for polling parties. OC

Shimla hit by hailstorm

Vehicular movement came to a halt as hailstorm lashed Shimla and adjoining areas on Friday. The hailstorm in May has added to the anxiety of farmers and vegetable growers. Hamirpur was the wettest in the state with 53 mm of rain. The maximum temperatures decreased by 4-5°C. TNS