Manali Cloudburst: Part of NH-3 in Himachal Pradesh closed after cloudburst triggers flash flood

A cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh's Manali triggered a flash flood today, affecting the National Highway-3 (Leh-Manali Road) and disrupting traffic. The incident, which happened late Wednesday, resulted in the closure of the stretch between Dhundi and Palchan Bridge. No casualties have been reported so far.

The Lahaul and Spiti police have diverted vehicles headed to Manali from Lahaul and Spiti via the north portal of the Atal Tunnel towards Rohtang. In an advisory released Thursday, they urged commuters to "travel only if necessary, drive cautiously, and stay aware of the possible danger en route."

Manali Cloudburst: Roads Closed

The state emergency operation centre reported that a total of 15 roads were closed for vehicular traffic, including 12 in Mandi, two in Kinnaur, and one in Kangra district. Additionally, 62 transformers were disrupted in the state on Wednesday night.


"Vehicles headed to Manali from Lahaul and Spiti via the north portal of the Atal Tunnel have been diverted towards Rohtang," said the Lahaul and Spiti police.

There have been initial reports of damage to a power project and a few houses. Officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage.

The weather department has issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, warning of potential damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas. This alert is in effect for the next four days until July 28.

"A total of 49 people have died in rain-related incidents in the state," said the emergency operation centre. The losses suffered by the state since the onset of the monsoon on June 27 amount to approximately Rs 389 crore.

The advisory further emphasized the importance of caution for commuters during this period of adverse weather conditions.

With Agency Inputs