Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, causing massive landslides, floods, and infrastructural damage. The Chandigarh-Manali highway
has remained blocked for a third straight day, stranding hundreds of commuters, while flights to Leh have been cancelled amid worsening weather conditions.
VIDEO | Manali, Himachal Pradesh: A pick-up van was swept away as raging river triggered a landslide damaging the road.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/ia93w7Jquh
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 26, 2025
According to officials, a section of the highway near Bindu Dhank was completely washed away after the Beas river breached its banks on the intervening night of August 25 and 26. The river’s fury also inundated commercial areas in Manali and swept away at least one riverside restaurant, as reported by The Times of India.
VIDEO | Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Heavy rainfall led to damage of National Highway 3 (Chandigarh-Manali Highway) between Mandi and Kullu, leading to traffic disruption and stranded vehicles.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#HimachalNews pic.twitter.com/pyRHSBRn4r
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 26, 2025
Traffic between Mandi and Manali has come to a standstill, with stranded travellers forced to take shelter inside vehicles or highway tunnels. Landslides have also blocked the Manali-Leh highway, adding to the region’s transport woes.
Former Manali MLA Govind Singh Thakur surveyed the affected areas on Tuesday to assess the scale of destruction. Authorities have confirmed that torrential rains have severely compromised stretches of the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway, leaving key road links broken.
As a precautionary measure, educational institutions across nine districts —including Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu — have been ordered shut. Officials have also issued warnings of further landslides as rain continues in parts of the state.
The state government has deployed teams for rescue and relief operations, but with infrastructure crippled, restoring road connectivity may take several days, as cited by TOI.
Also Read: DDA Premium Housing Scheme 2025: E-Auction registration opens on August 26 for ready-to-move flats in Delhi
