Manali NH marooned near Dwada

ibune News Service

Mandi, August 18

Heavy rain has wreaked havoc in Mandi and Kullu districts since Saturday evening, blocking 186 roads in the districts.

The water level of the Beas rose drastically, flooding the Chandigarh-Manali highway near Dwada. Traffic had been halted on the highway between Mandi and Kullu since last evening and it is expected that it will be restored by noon tomorrow.

A tourist from Telangana Raghav (22) succumbed to injuries in Kullu hospital. He was hit by a boulder during a landslide near Manikaran. One person was stated to be killed near Chhatru in Lahaul-Spiti. Many tourists were stuck near Chhatru because of road blockade.

As many as 25 tourists, including one foreigner, were rescued from Dhundhi area in Manali, who were stuck because of bad weather.

Due to the closure of the Chandigarh-Manali highway, most buses were stopped on the route and several tourists were stranded. The district administration had diverted the traffic via Katola between Mandi and Kullu for light vehicles.

A major landslide was reported on the Mandi-Pathankot highway near Maigal last night. However, the highway was cleared.

As the dam authorities had opened floodgates at Pandoh and Larji, the Beas and Suketi water entered the premises of the historical Panchvaktra temple in Mandi. A few vehicles of the MC were washed away. The water entered many houses.

According to Additional District Magistrate, Mandi, Shrawan Manta, a few cattle head were washed away in the district. Apart from this, 19 houses and 31 cowsheds were also damaged.

DC Rugved Thakur urged the people to stay away from river banks. The PWD and NHAI had been asked to clear the blocked roads. He said no loss of human life was reported in Mandi district.