After a cloudburst in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, triggered a flash flood, a portion of National Highway-3 has been closed to motor vehicles, according to police reports on Thursday. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from the incident, which occurred late Wednesday night.
Officials have identified the affected stretch as the segment between Dhundi and Palchan Bridge on NH-3, commonly known as Leh-Manali Road. The flash flood was triggered by a cloudburst at Anjani Mahadev nullah in the Manali area. Consequently, vehicles traveling to Manali from Lahaul and Spiti via the north portal of the Atal Tunnel are being redirected towards Rohtang, as per an advisory issued by the Lahaul and Spiti police on Thursday.
The advisory also urged commuters to travel only if necessary, to drive cautiously, and to remain alert to potential dangers along the route.
In addition to the closure of NH-3, a total of 15 roads, including 12 in Mandi, two in Kinnaur, and one in Kangra district, were shut down for vehicular traffic. Moreover, 62 transformers were disrupted across the state on Wednesday night, according to the state emergency operation center.
There have been unconfirmed reports of damage to a power project and a few houses. Officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage.
A ‘yellow’ caution for heavy rain in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh was issued by the local meteorological department on Wednesday. The advisory is valid for the next four days, until July 28. Strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas might cause damage to plantations, standing crops, fragile structures, and “kutcha” dwellings, according to the advisory.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 49 rain-related deaths and suffered losses estimated at approximately ₹389 crore, according to the state emergency operation center.