Continuous downpour throws life out of gear, schools shut, highway cut off
Munish Sood
MANDI:
The hill town of Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is battling a critical situation after continuous heavy rainfall triggered flashfloods, landslides and road blockades. The Beas river, swollen by incessant rains, has spilled onto the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, submerging key areas and reviving haunting memories of the 2023 devastation.
Overnight, floodwaters from the Beas entered the Aloo Ground, Volvo Bus Stand and the Green Tax Barrier. With water levels rising dangerously, traffic movement on the Manali-Kullu National Highway (NH-3) has been completely halted near Dhankhar, while alternate routes are being used through the left bank road via Raison. Schools and colleges in Manali have been ordered closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure.
Shops, hotels swept away in Bahang
The Bahang area of Manali has faced severe destruction. Several shops, houses and even the famous Sher-e-Punjab restaurant were swept away by the swollen Beas. At the riverside Sher-e-Punjab restaurant, only the gate remains standing, with the rest of the property washed away overnight. Local residents say the river’s fury has left them shaken and fearful.
The administration has shifted families living near riverbanks to safer shelters. A dramatic rescue operation was carried out at the APMC building in Aloo Ground, where Deep Chand (36), an employee, was trapped after the building was surrounded by floodwaters. He was pulled out safely with the help of a hydra crane and fire services late at night.
Tourists stranded, eyewitness accounts
Tourists too have been caught in the chaos. “I had gone to Spiti on a tour and have been stuck in Manali for the past three days. It has been raining continuously since last night, and the Beas is in full spate,” said Om Thakur, stranded in a hotel. Many hotels in low-lying areas are facing flooding concerns, raising alarm among visitors and locals alike.
Water supply network collapses
Adding to the crisis, Manali’s main water distribution system has been severely damaged. The Water Department has warned residents of disruptions until the Manalsu stream’s water level recedes enough to allow repair work. The authorities have appealed to citizens to use water sparingly and carefully during this emergency.
Former minister and ex-MLA Govind Singh Thakur, after visiting the affected sites, warned that the situation is dangerous: “The Manali-Leh road near Samahan has been completely damaged and the Old Manali-Burua road has collapsed. Water levels in both the Beas and the Manalsu stream are alarmingly high. I appeal to everyone not to go near rivers or streams and to remain extremely vigilant.”
The current devastation has revived memories of July 2023 when cloudbursts and heavy rain caused the Beas to flood the highway, damaging the road from Kullu to Manali. Residents fear a repeat of that disaster as the river’s overflowing waters have once again reached highways and populated zones.
