One of the most popular restaurants, Sher-e-Punjab, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, was washed away when the Beas River overflowed. Heavy rains and rising water levels caused the structure to collapse, leaving only a wall and the entrance gate standing. As viral videos documented the shocking image, people expressed their sadness at the legendary restaurant’s loss.
The Beas river swelled further after 20,000 cusecs of water were released from the Largi Dam, according to PTI. Authorities have issued warnings asking locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.
Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Damage
For weeks, Himachal Pradesh has had nonstop rain, which has caused landslides, flash floods, and devastation in a number of districts. On Tuesday, 690 roads remained closed, including 320 in Mandi and 132 in Kullu, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported.
Sher e Punjab Hotel in Bahang of Manali! River is furious!#HimachalPradesh#HimachalFloods pic.twitter.com/xvx5R8iMIU
— Navneet Sharma- नवनीत शर्मा (@nsharmajagran) August 26, 2025
Two key stretches of the national highway were washed away, and the Manali-Burua road was destroyed near Old Manali. Nearly 200 meters of the Manali-Leh highway collapsed under the force of the Beas River, leaving tourists stranded. The Chandigarh-Manali national highway also suffered damage at multiple points.
In Manali, floodwaters entered the Alu ground area and swept away shops and hotels. A multi-storey hotel and four shops were destroyed in the Kullu district on Tuesday morning. In the Balichowki area, water from the Ghanvi Khud stream entered residential areas, collapsing two buildings and 40 shops late Monday night.
Monsoon Havoc Across the State`
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi, warning of heavy rainfall in the next two days. Continuous downpours have already resulted in multiple landslides and road closures.
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Since June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 78 flash floods, 41 cloudbursts, and 82 major landslides. Infrastructure damage has been massive, with the SEOC estimating losses worth ₹2,394 crore.
Death Toll and Missing Persons
Between June 20 and August 25, at least 156 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Himachal Pradesh. Another 38 remain missing. Fortunately, no new deaths were reported since Monday night, despite the destruction in Manali and the surrounding regions.
The frequent damage draws attention to Himachal Pradesh’s susceptibility during the monsoon season. Authorities, residents, and visitors continue to confront difficulties as the intense rains don’t seem to be abating.
