Himachal Pradesh: Road Connectivity Disrupted, Rescue Operations Continue Amid Heavy Rains

Manali-Chandigarh national highway blocked, PWD working on maintenance and repair

Himachal Pradesh has been facing the wrath of nature as heavy rains have triggered landslides and flash floods, blocking roads and washing away bridges in various parts of the state. One of the major highways affected by the rains is the Manali-Chandigarh national highway, which has been blocked at several places due to landslides and debris.

At least 1,239 roads in the state remained inaccessible for the third consecutive day, hampering the movement of traffic and relief materials. The Public Works Department of Himachal Pradesh is engaged in planning, construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and ropeways in the state. The department has allocated funds and incurred expenditure on maintenance and repair of national highways in the state.

Rescue operations underway in Chandratal area of Spiti Valley, Kasol and Kheerganga

Another area where rescue operations are underway is the Chandratal area of Spiti Valley, where around 300 people, mostly tourists, were trapped due to heavy snowfall and landslides. A rescue team was carrying out the operation to evacuate them amid intense cold conditions and 3-4 feet of snow.

Meanwhile, around 10,000 tourists were stuck at Kasol, Kheerganga and adjoining areas and were refusing to trek to safety as they did not want to leave their cars behind. Authorities were trying to persuade them to move to safer places and were issuing receipts for their vehicles.

Israeli embassy offers help to airlift their nationals from Kasol and Tirthan

The state government has also sought help from the Israeli embassy to airlift their nationals from the affected areas of Kasol and Tirthan. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said all foreign tourists are safe and essential commodities were being ensured to them.

IMD warns of more rains, death toll rises to 42

The Indian meteorological department (IMD) has warned of moderate to heavy rain in various districts of Himachal for the next few days. The death toll in the state due to rain-related incidents has risen to 42, while 14 people are missing.

Schools closed till July 15, people advised to avoid travelling to hill state

The state government has ordered closure of all schools in the state till July 15 and has appealed to the people to avoid travelling to the hill state till the situation improves.

Alternative routes suggested for commuters

The commuters are advised to avoid travelling on the Manali-Chandigarh national highway, which is under maintenance and repair work by the PWD.

They can opt for alternative routes such as NH5 via Kalka, Solan and Shoghi, NH205 via Rupnagar, Kiratpur Sahib, Swarghat, Bilaspur and Ghagas or NH7 via Baddi, Nalagarh, Darlaghat, Salogra and Kandaghat.

Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rains, the state government and the rescue teams have been working tirelessly to restore normalcy and provide relief to the affected people. The state has also received support from the central government and other agencies to deal with the crisis. The people of Himachal Pradesh have shown resilience and courage in facing the natural calamity and have expressed hope that the situation will improve soon.

You can also connect with me, here: Instagram & YouTube.

Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!

Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto and earn Tripoto Credits!