Rains trigger widespread landslides in Mandi, about 290 roads blocked in district

Relentless rainfall continues to batter Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, triggering massive landslides that have brought life to a standstill across the region. The natural calamity has severed road connectivity, disrupted essential services, and displaced several families, plunging the district into a state of crisis.

More than 290 roads, including key national and state highways, have been rendered impassable due to landslides, mudslides, and falling debris. Among the worst affected is the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway — a vital lifeline connecting Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Leh-Ladakh — which remains blocked for the third consecutive day. Multiple landslides between Mandi and Banala have severely damaged sections of the road, while at Dwada, part of the highway has been completely submerged by the swelling Beas river.

As a result, over 2,000 vehicles are stranded across Mandi and Kullu districts. Tourists, commuters, and transporters are grappling with mounting difficulties as weather conditions worsen. “We have been stuck for over 24 hours with no clarity on when the roads will reopen,” said one stranded commuter in Kullu.

Compounding the crisis, the only available alternative route via Kataula has also been closed following another landslide, leaving no immediate detour for traffic movement between Mandi and Kullu. The dual blockade has crippled transportation and logistics, stalling the delivery of essential goods and emergency services.

Kunduni village, under Jogindernagar subdivision in Mandi, is under threat of collapse because of landslide in the region. The local administration is vacating the houses in this village in view of public safety.

Vegetable farmers in the high-altitude regions of Lahaul and Spiti are among the hardest hit. With road access cut off, tonnes of fresh produce is rotting in fields, causing heavy financial losses. This disruption may also affect vegetable supplies in other parts of Himachal and adjoining states. The higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti are experiencing snowfall, while the lower valleys are witnessing unrelenting rain, leading to a sharp dip in temperatures.

These recurring monsoon-induced disasters highlight the growing vulnerability of hillside settlements like Mandi. The administration has issued fresh advisories, urging residents and tourists to avoid travel and remain alert. Restoration work is under way, but officials caution that progress will be slow due to continuing rainfall and the high risk of further landslides.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the coming days, keeping the region on high alert.