National Highway-3 was closed to traffic after a flash flood caused by a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, police reported on Thursday.
The flood, which happened late Wednesday, has not resulted in any casualties so far. The affected section of NH-3, also known as the Leh-Manali Road, is between Dhundi and Palchan Bridge in the Manali area.
Part Of Himachal’s Leh-Manali Road Closed After Cloudburst Triggers Flash Flood pic.twitter.com/Lr0xj1gcul
— Mukesh Maurya (@Maurya85278508) July 25, 2024
Vehicles traveling to Manali from Lahaul and Spiti via the Atal Tunnel’s north portal have been rerouted through Rohtang. The Lahaul and Spiti police advised travelers to only journey if necessary, drive carefully, and be aware of potential hazards.
Fifteen roads, including twelve in Mandi, two in Kinnaur, and one in Kangra, were closed. Additionally, 62 transformers were affected. There have been unconfirmed reports of damage to a power project and some houses.
The local meteorological office has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh until July 28. They warned of potential damage to crops, structures, and ‘kutcha’ houses due to strong winds and waterlogging.
Since the monsoon began on June 27, 49 people have died in rain-related incidents in the state, with losses estimated at around ₹389 crore, according to the emergency operation center.
