Himachal fresh rain fury: Roads Blocked, Dam Breached, Flash Floods Wreak Havoc
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Aug 2,
The Manali-Leh National Highway has been shut near Jispa following a sudden flash flood late Thursday night around the BRO Dett area. Traffic had come to a standstill since 10:00 PM, and the route remains closed until further notice. Lahaul-Spiti Police have strongly advised commuters to stay in Keylong and avoid onward travel toward Leh until conditions improve.
In Kullu district, the Malana-I Hydropower Project has been severely impacted after a coffer dam partially gave way under intense floodwaters. As per the Kullu District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), heavy flooding swept away crucial machinery, including a hydra crane, rock breaker, dumper, and a camper vehicle. The retaining wall of the Malana Dam has also caved in, causing dangerous discharge levels and severe soil erosion along the Parvati River’s banks.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, but authorities have sounded an alert for downstream villages. A public advisory has been issued asking residents to maintain safe distance from the river amid fears of sudden water surges. Equipment like a tanker and crane belonging to the hydro project have sustained heavy damage.
Meanwhile, several temporary bridges in the Parvati Valley have been washed away, while multiple roads have caved in due to continuing landslides. Persistent rainfall has also blocked the crucial Kullu-Manali to Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) road near Gypsa following a cloudburst, leaving behind debris and muck.
Disaster management teams are on high alert across affected districts, but ongoing rain is hampering rescue and assessment operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an Orange Alert for very heavy rainfall in Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, and Kangra districts. The advisory warns of heightened risk of landslides, flash floods, and falling boulders on rain-battered roads.
Authorities are closely monitoring dam discharge levels and landslide-prone zones. Residents across hill districts have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors, especially those living near riverbanks or unstable slopes.
With the IMD forecasting continued rainfall in the coming days, the situation remains tense across Himachal Pradesh.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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