Stranded in Himachal: Heavy Rains Paralyze Kullu-Mandi Road, many Vehicles stuck

New Delhi, August 24, 2023: In the wake of heavy rainfall, Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district has witnessed a transportation nightmare as the crucial Kullu-Mandi road suffered significant damage, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. A video shared by ANI showcases a long line of motionless vehicles due to the road’s impairment.

Commuters described the distressing situation, revealing a traffic jam stretching 5-10 kilometers. “We have nothing to eat or drink. People are starving here. The snarl should be cleared soon,” a stranded commuter voiced to ANI.

Kullu Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that traffic movement on both the Kullu-Mandi road and an alternate route via Pandoh has been suspended due to the road damage. Despite overnight heavy rainfall, the Public Works Department (PWD) is working tirelessly to restore traffic flow. Verma expressed hope that the road will be accessible for small vehicles by nightfall if fresh rainfall doesn’t hamper the ongoing restoration efforts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “red” alert, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, for the next two days. The bulletin outlined escalating rainfall from August 22-24, with a possibility of lighter scattered showers from August 26 onwards.

Torrential rains have triggered landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, wreaking havoc across Himachal Pradesh. The state government declared it a “natural calamity affected area.” Government data reveals the grim toll: over 200 lives lost, 2,022 fully damaged houses, 9,615 partially damaged houses, and 113 landslides this monsoon season. The economic toll amounts to a staggering ₹8014.61 crore in losses since June 24.

Amid the disaster, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that ₹165.22 crore has been allocated for restoration efforts across the state.