Kullu and Mandi districts hit hardest; Chandigarh–Manali highway closed at multiple points
Munish Sood
Mandi:
Monsoon rains once again unleashed devastation in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, with sudden flash floods and landslides disrupting life across several districts. Kullu’s Pah Nala and multiple areas of Mandi district bore the brunt, as overflowing streams and heavy debris flow swept into homes, marketplaces, and highways.
Major Destruction in Mandi District
From Nagwain to Aut, floodwaters left a trail of destruction. Torrential flow carried mud and debris into the Takoli vegetable market and onto the four-lane highway, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. Business at the region’s main wholesale market collapsed after floodwater and silt entered shops and godowns.
Several houses in the district reported mud and water entering their premises, causing significant property damage. The Chandigarh–Manali National Highway, a vital lifeline for the state, was blocked at multiple points due to landslides and debris, stranding commuters and tourists.
Cloudburst and Flash Floods in Kullu and Mandi
Heavy overnight rainfall triggered cloudbursts in parts of Aut tehsil. Flash floods swept through Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain, damaging homes, vehicles, and public property. Debris cascaded down the slopes, pushing mud and boulders onto the highway and into residential areas.
Over 10 vehicles were buried under debris or washed away in these areas. Residents reported barely any time to react before water and debris entered their homes.
A cloudburst in Mohal Khud worsened the situation in Kullu district. The old National Highway between Mohal and Kullu was shut down for several hours after a massive layer of debris, mud, and sludge spread across the road, cutting off traffic on the stretch.
Similar reports emerged from the Prashar region of Mandi, where the Bagi Nullah swelled dangerously, flooding nearby areas and adding to the distress of local residents.
Company Office Walls Washed Away
At Saranala in Aut tehsil, a raging stream damaged the office and residential colony of a company engaged in four-lane construction. The boundary walls collapsed under the force of the floodwaters. Employees fled in time to save themselves, though the company reported heavy financial losses. Nearby families also lost belongings as the floodwater entered homes.
Administration on Alert, Relief Work Underway
ASP Sachin Hirematt confirmed multiple incidents of sudden flooding along the Mandi–Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh–Manali highway, particularly in Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain. While no casualties have been reported so far, rescue and relief teams are working to clear the debris and restore traffic.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur, warning of heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers and streams.
Monsoon Toll in Himachal Pradesh
This season’s monsoon has proven deadly for the hill state. As per official data:
• 261 people have lost their lives so far.
• 36 individuals remain missing, with search operations continuing.
• Losses exceed ₹2,144 crore, covering damage to roads, bridges, homes, shops, and cowsheds.
A State on Edge
With highways blocked, markets shut, and families displaced, Himachal Pradesh once again faces the recurring nightmare of monsoon fury. Local residents, still reeling from last year’s destruction, have appealed for long-term measures to prevent such disasters and safeguard lives and livelihoods in the fragile Himalayan region.
