Landslips, swollen rivers hit traffic; 70 stranded in Lahaul and Spiti

Mandi, July 31

Heavy rain lashes Lahaul and Spiti district today, affecting traffic on various routes due to landslides and rise in the water level of rivulets.

According to the police, around 70 persons were stranded ahead of Chhatru toward Koksar on NH 505 due to the blockade of a road. Rescue teams were on the job to evacuate all stranded people out of the area.

Tribal Development Minister Ram Lal Markanda also stranded in the Miyar valley for hours. He was on a tour to the valley. Udaipur to Miyar road was blocked at the Shakoli nullah, which was restored to traffic in the afternoon. Thereafter, the minister moved out of the area and reached Udaipur.

The National Highway-3 was blocked for some time due to water inflow in the Teling nullah. People were stuck for hours in the region. The traffic was later restored as the water level receded. The Tandi-Udaipur road was also blocked at several places due to drastic increase in water level in rivulets. However, the road was opened between Udaipur and Tandi. The road leading to Killar from Udaipur toward Tindi was also blocked at Madgran and the Dared nullah.

The Gramphu-Kaza road was closed due to rising water level near Dorni Nulla and water was flowing on the road.

SP, Lahaul and Spiti, Manav Verma said during the traffic arrangements, 142 vehicles had been safely moved towards their destination.

Beas threatens 30 houses, shops

• In Manali, the flooded Beas damaged the helipad of the Civil Aviation Department
• The water level near Bahang in Manali crossed the danger mark and touched buildings and shops
• Manali SDM Surender Thakur said around 30 houses and shops were vacated at Bahang
• A bridge leading to Goshal village was also washed away by the flooded Beas
• Public has been told to avoid venturing close to the river
• The Chandigarh-Manali highway was blocked for traffic at Dwada because the Beas was overflowing on the road
• The power project authorities at Larji and Pandoh dam opened the floodgates to release the water from its reservoirs