Flash flood hits Manali: three houses damaged, Manali-Leh highway blocked to traffic for hours.
Shimla:
A sudden cloud burst at Anjani Mahadev Nala under Manali subdivision, a tourist spot in the Kullu district, caused havoc late last night. The resulting heavy debris flow has completely blocked the Manali-Leh highway, stranding vehicles in the area for long hours today. The Border Roads Organisation has restored the road using heavy machinery.
According to reports, massive boulders carried by the torrential flow reached up to Palchan Bridge, severely damaging three houses and causing significant losses to another house and a power project building. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, but properties worth crores have been damaged.
District officials, including Deputy Commissioner Ravish S Torul of Kullu, visited the site to assess the damage caused by the flood. They reported that while no human casualties occurred, three houses were completely destroyed, and substantial damage was inflicted on a women’s center building and the power project structure.
Affected families have been temporarily relocated to nearby school buildings, with necessary supplies being provided to them. Manali MLA Bhuvaneshwar Gaur also visited the affected families and assured every possible help to them from the state government.
Residents affected by the flood described the frightening experience of hearing loud noises in the middle of the night as the cloud burst caused water levels to rise rapidly. Many managed to evacuate to safety in time, although some livestock were lost to the floodwaters.
The administration is currently evaluating the extent of the damage caused by this natural disaster and has announced initial relief measures for affected families, including financial assistance.
Efforts to restore normalcy in the area is ongoing amidst challenging conditions.For further updates on the situation, officials advise residents and travelers to follow local announcements and cooperate with authorities as they work to mitigate the aftermath of the flash flood in Manali.
