Flash floods and landslide hit Himachal's Mandi, national highway blocked

Multiple flash floods hit Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district on Sunday, leading to disrupted connectivity across the Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway. 

The reported incidents are from the Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain areas of Mandi. Sachin Hiremath, ASP, Mandi, said, "There has been no report of human loss in the incidents." 

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), heavy rainfall across the state has left 374 roads, 524 power distribution transformers, and 145 water supply schemes disrupted. Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur are the worst-affected districts, while the major highways, including NH-305 and NH-05, remain blocked due to landslides and flash floods in the region. 

The death toll this monsoon season stands at 257 since June 20, with 133 deaths caused due to landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 124 people succumbed to road accidents in Himachal Pradesh. Mandi was heavily disrupted, with over 203 roads blocked and 458 transformers running out of service. While in Kullu, about 79 roads remain closed, along with the NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag), which was hit by a major landslide. 

The authorities are carrying out restoration work across disrupted areas, but with continuous rainfall and fresh landslides, the progress is hampered. The water supply schemes were affected in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts. While in Kinnaur, six roads were blocked, including NH-05. A power outage was reported in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti due to flash floods and high-tension line faults.  The 

The Himachal Government and authorities have issued a warning in the state that continuous rainfall in the upcoming days can worsen conditions, urging people not to travel through vulnerable stretches during this period.