Floods Hit Mandi, Block Highway in Himachal

Heavy downpour in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district triggered landslides and flash floods, with debris entering many houses in Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain areas.

No loss of life has been reported in the flash

floods. Rescue operations are underway in the district at multiple locations. Teams have been deployed to the affected areas and people have been advised to stay away from rivers and streams.

The 4-lane Kiratpur-Manali National Highway is blocked due to waterlogging. Many streams and drains in the district are swollen due to torrential rains since Saturday night.

A major landslide occurred near Jogni Mata Temple due to which vehicular traffic was disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to travellers.

Another flash flood due to an overflowing Shalanal stream caused the boundary wall of a private office to collapse. However, no loss of life was reported in the incident as the employees were able to narrowly escape from the site. Houses of nearby residents have also suffered significant damage.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the situation on Sunday (August 17) arising out of incessant rainfall in Mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur districts, and instructed the district administrations to

extend all possible assistance to the affected families.

The chief minister also spoke to deputy commissioners of the affected districts and sought detailed reports on the extent of damage, and directed them to send comprehensive reports to the state government. He further directed that restoration of blocked roads be expedited.

Appealing to the public to stay away from rivers and streams, the chief minister urged them to strictly follow the advisories issued by the district administrations from time to time.

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