No end to rains in Himachal Pradesh; 2,000 vehicles stranded in Mandi, Kullu as landslides wreak havoc

Torrential rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, unleashing a spate of landslides that have paralysed road connectivity, disrupted essential services, and displaced several families from their homes.

The situation remains grim as more than 257 roads have been rendered impassable, cutting off key areas and causing widespread logistical challenges.

The Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, a critical arterial route connecting Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Leh-Ladakh, remains blocked for the second consecutive day due to multiple landslide incidents between Mandi and Banala.

As a result, over 2,000 vehicles are stranded in Mandi and Kullu, with commuters and tourists facing mounting difficulties amid worsening weather conditions. The alternative route via Kataula has also been closed following another landslide, leaving no immediate detour for traffic movement between Mandi and Kullu. This dual blockade has severely impacted transportation services across the region.

Among the worst affected are vegetable farmers from Lahaul and Spiti, whose produce is now rotting in the fields due to the inability to transport goods to market. The blockade has not only jeopardized their seasonal income but also threatens to impact vegetable supply in other parts of the state and country. In a separate incident last evening, a rockfall behind the Paddal Gurudwara area, within the jurisdiction of the Mandi Municipal Corporation, created panic among residents after two houses were struck by falling boulders.

Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported as occupants managed to evacuate in time. According to Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour, the boulders tumbled down from a steep and unstable slope behind the colony.

“No one has been injured in the incident. However, as a precautionary measure, the area has been vacated since it is now deemed vulnerable to further landslides,” he stated.

The two affected families have been shifted to safer accommodations arranged by the administration. Meanwhile, several neighboring residents voluntarily evacuated their homes, seeking shelter with relatives elsewhere in Mandi town due to the fear of further rockfalls. In Manali, Kullu district, two individuals were successfully rescued by the local administration on Tuesday  after being trapped due to an accident involving the gypsy in which they were traveling.

While multiple landslide reports are emerging from across the district, no loss of life has been reported so far, offering slight relief amid the chaos. Commissioner Rathour assured that the district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and teams are on alert for rapid response. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from vulnerable slopes and report any signs of land movement or soil instability.

These incidents serve as yet another reminder of the increasing fragility of hillside settlements in Mandi during the monsoon season, which routinely brings landslides and rockfalls in its wake. With weather forecasts predicting continued rainfall in the coming days, the risk of further disasters remains high.

The administration has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and follow all safety advisories. Restoration work on roads, power lines, and water supply is underway, but officials warn that progress may remain slow until the weather stabilises.