Himachal Rains Trigger Flash Floods, Landslides in Kullu; Roads Blocked, Alert Issued

Kullu: Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district triggered flash floods and landslides on Friday, blocking major roads and cutting off several areas. The administration issued an alert for residents near rivers and streams, while efforts were made to restore electricity, traffic, and drinking water services.

Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish confirmed that many link roads and the main left bank road were blocked due to the continuous rainfall.

"I request the public to remain where they are as the water level has also increased in rivers and nalas. Due to sudden landslides, water flow in the river can increase. Work is underway to restore electricity in Manali and Kullu. There is a report of 1-foot snow in Manali. Educational institutions in the district are closed today due to heavy rain. The main national highway from Jalori side is closed," he said.

Roads Blocked, Transport Disrupted

The heavy snowfall and rainfall for the third consecutive day blocked highways and roads, affecting normal life. Over 200 roads across the state, including in Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla, remained closed.

Authorities shut down all educational institutions, including colleges and Anganwadi centers, in Chamba and Manali. However, CBSE board exams continued as per schedule.

Officials warned of avalanches in high-altitude regions above 2,300 meters, advising people to stay indoors and take precautions.

The Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-5) was cleared at Narkanda, but routes like Deha-Chopal, Dodra-Kwar, and Theog-Hatkoti Highway remained blocked.

Also Read: Floods in Jammu Tawi: Rescue Operations and High Alert Issued

Flash Floods Damage Houses, Vehicles in Kullu

In Kullu, heavy rains flooded Akhara Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar, causing gushing waters to spill onto roads, and damaging vehicles and property. Authorities restricted vehicle movement beyond Nehru Kund due to fresh snowfall at Solang Nallah, Gulaba, Atal Tunnel, and Rohtang Pass.

Flash floods damaged several houses, causing panic among residents. The swollen Gandhi Nagar Nallah overflowed, submerging vehicles parked on roadsides. At least 90 roads, including the Kullu-Manali left bank road and Jalori Pass road, were closed.

"People have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and avoid outdoor activities," DC Torul Ravish said.

The power supply in Kullu was disrupted, but authorities restored electricity except in Manikaran and Manali.

Landslides, Snowfall Add to Woes

A landslide at Banala disrupted traffic on the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway, with restoration work delayed due to falling rocks. Several roads within tribal areas were also shut due to snowfall and rain.

As per official data, Kothi received the highest snowfall at 120 cm, followed by Khadrala (115 cm), Keylong (75 cm), Kalpa (46 cm), and Kukumseri (38.8 cm). Heavy rainfall affected lower and mid-hill regions, with Bhuntar, Banjar, and Jogindernagar recording over 110 mm of rain.

Government Response and Weather Forecast

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi acknowledged the avalanche risk and advised people to stay alert and avoid outdoor activities.

"Snow and rains during this time of the year are welcome, but they have increased the risk of avalanches. Tourists should remain in safe areas until the situation improves," he said.

As of Friday, 218 roads and three national highways remained blocked, while 70 water and irrigation schemes were disrupted.

The meteorological department issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra.

Authorities advised people to remain indoors as more snowfall and heavy rain were expected in isolated areas.