Heavy rain, landslides disrupt normal life in Kullu; educational institutions closed for 2 days
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In response to heavy rainfall and widespread landslides, the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu has ordered the closure of all educational institutions for two days on Thursday (August 1) and Friday. The district has been the most affected area in the past 24 hours, experiencing significant disruption.
The recent downpours have led to a series of natural disasters in the region, including cloudbursts and landslides, severely impacting local infrastructure. The Parvati Valley, in particular, has suffered substantial damage, with a cloudburst causing extensive destruction in the Manikaran Valley. A video circulating on social media captures the dramatic collapse of a building in the local vegetable market.
Emergency measures are underway to protect residents in vulnerable areas. The district administration is evacuating people from riverside areas in Jia village and surrounding rural locations to mitigate the risk of casualties.
In Manali, the Beas River has overflowed, damaging roads in several locations. As a result, large vehicles are currently prohibited from traveling in Raisen, Kullu-Manali, where road conditions remain hazardous. Authorities are advising residents to avoid riverbanks.
In the Nirmand area, around 10 houses were swept away in Bagipul area, with approximately a dozen people reported missing. Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are en route to provide aid and conduct rescue operations. Kullu DC Torul S Ravish has warned residents to stay clear of rivers and streams due to the risk of flooding.
The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, a vital arterial road, has been obstructed at several points due to landslides. Efforts are ongoing to restore traffic flow, but repairs may take several days.
The highway between Mandi and Pandoh has been partially reopened for one-way traffic near the Jagar stream, and similar conditions prevail between Pandoh and Kanchi Mod. The administration is working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all residents.
