Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): The Mandi-Kullu national highway (NH) has been blocked following incessant rain in Himachal Pradesh, leading to flash flood in various parts of Mandi district, the police in a public notice on Sunday.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a weather warning for Himachal Pradesh for the next five days.
According to officials, severe weather conditions with continuous rain and flash flood in Khoti Nala near Aut have blocked Mandi-Kullu National Highway. The alternative routes to the highway are flooded and hence restricted for traffic.
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“The Mandi-Joginder Nagar Highway is also closed. The general public/tourists plying on these Highways are advised not to stay on the roads adjacent to mountains as there is a high risk of landslides/rock fall”, added the statement.
Officials, however, said that the highway might be re-opened tomorrow if the flood situation subsides. “People stuck on either side are advised to turn back and make necessary arrangements to stay for the night in nearby towns,” said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in a statement.
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“Mandi-Kullu NH 3 is closed for traffic movement due to a flash flood near Hanogi. The administration is on alert. All officials have been ordered to manage the situation. Orders have been issued to halt the movement of vehicles. The movement will be resumed shortly,” said Arindam Chaudhary, deputy commissioner, Mandi.
The local metrological office said that heavy rains, thunderstorm and lightening are likely at isolated places over the plains, and low and mid hills on June 26. “Flash floods are likely to occur in the districts of Kangra, Mandi and Solan; Traffic congestion, poor visibility and disruption in electric supply,” it added.
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The met officials advised the farmers to make adequate arrangements at home during the rains Agriculture department officials said that standing crops, fruit plants and young seedlings might suffer damages due to the current spells of rain. “Farmers are advised to reschedule the spraying of insecticides,” said the officials, adding that the rains have caused extensive damage in several parts of Mandi.
Several vehicles were washed away due to a flash flood in a rivulet at Janjheli in Mandi district. Water level in the Beas River flowing through Mandi has increased suddendly due to continuous rains in the hilly areas. Mandi received 64.4 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Other parts of the state also witnessed massive damage due to the heavy rains. The capital, Shimla reported a cloudburst amid the intensive rain.
Because of heavy rains in Kullu-Manali areas of Himachal Pradesh, Beas river is touching national highway at Dwaada near Hanogi Temple. The traffic has been diverted via Kandi-Katola to Kullu-Manali.
