Heavy rain triggers shooting stones, traffic disrupted on Kiratpur-Manali highway in Mandi

Heavy rainfall in Mandi district on Friday triggered shooting stones from hill slopes along the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway between Dwada and Thalot, forcing authorities to halt traffic until weather conditions improve. The continuous rainfall has made travel on the highway extremely risky, resulting in long traffic jams on both sides of the affected stretch.

Officials said stones and debris continued to fall from vulnerable hill slopes, posing a serious threat to commuters.  Motorists stranded on the highway were advised to remain patient and follow the directions of the local administration and police personnel deployed at the site.

Authorities have urged tourists and local residents to avoid unnecessary travel on the Kiratpur-Manali Highway during the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall. Visitors planning to travel towards Kullu, Manali or other destinations have been advised to check weather and road conditions before starting their journey, as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides and shooting stones.

The adverse weather also affected road connectivity across Mandi district, where as many as 66 roads remained blocked due to landslides, falling debris and damage caused by incessant rains. Road restoration teams have been deployed to clear debris and reopen the affected routes, but persistent rainfall continues to hamper restoration work.

The administration is closely monitoring the situation and has appealed to people to exercise caution while travelling in hilly areas. Commuters have been advised to avoid stopping near vulnerable slopes, follow official advisories, and cooperate with authorities until normal traffic movement is restored. Officials said restoration work will continue as soon as weather conditions permit, while emergency teams remain on alert to respond to any further incidents caused by the ongoing monsoon rains.