Liquor vend among 2 shops washed away as flashflood hits Kullu’s Manikaran valley; Leh-Manali highway closed again
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KULLU/ MANDI:The onset of heavy monsoon rains has begun to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh. After the recent flashfloods in Manali, another such incident has occurred in Manikaran in Kullu, resulting in significant property damage, though no loss of life was reported.
In a severe weather event, a cloudburst struck Tosh village in Manikaran Valley, causing a flashflood in a local stream. The sudden surge of water swept away several temporary structures, including shops and a liquor vendor. The incident occurred around 2 am on Tuesday night, prompting immediate response efforts.
The Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Torul S. Ravish, confirmed that teams from the revenue department had been dispatched to the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage.
The incident follows closely on the heels of a similar disaster last week where a flashflood in Solang Nullah (Manali) caused damage to three houses in Palchan village. The situation remains tense as the Beas river’s water level continues to rise, leading to the evacuation of four houses in the same area on Sunday.
Adding to the region’s woes, the Leh-Manali Highway, a crucial arterial road, has been closed once again. Heavy rains have caused landslides, bringing down debris, stones and water onto the highway, making it impassable. This closure is particularly concerning for local farmers in Lahaul, who are currently in the midst of the cabbage harvesting season, as it hampers their ability to transport goods.
Authorities have issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning of further heavy rainfall expected on August 1 and 2. Residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed of weather updates.
The state government and local administrations are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and coordinating relief and rescue operations. Efforts are underway to clear the debris from the highway and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
