Himachal Pradesh Faces Flash Floods: Mandi District Hit Hard
Severe Flash Floods in Mandi District
Shimla: On Sunday, Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh experienced multiple flash floods, leading to landslides that damaged numerous homes, swept away vehicles, and obstructed the Mandi-Kullu section of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities.
Efforts to restore connectivity are currently in progress. Areas such as Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain have been severely impacted, making Mandi the most affected district in the state due to intense rainfall.
Traffic jams ensued as hundreds of drivers were stranded following a landslide on the Mandi-Kullu route near Jhalogi. The alternative route via Kataula-Kamand has also been affected by landslides at multiple locations.
Authorities are working diligently to reopen this route for light vehicles. Additionally, Pandoh dam officials have issued a warning regarding the release of excess water due to heavy rainfall in the Takoli region.
The Panchvaktra temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its intricate stone carvings, remains resilient amidst the turbulent waters of the Beas River in Mandi town, often referred to as Chhoti Kashi.
Despite the severe floods of 2023, the foundation of the Panchvaktra temple, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected site built in the traditional Shikhara architectural style, has remained intact.
In another development, the water level at Pong Dam in Kangra district has risen to a concerning 1,379.98 feet, prompting the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to initiate a controlled release of 57,221 cusecs of water through its turbines and spillways. This marks the highest water release from the dam during the current monsoon season.
The BBMB has issued alerts for Kangra in Himachal and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, advising residents in low-lying areas to take necessary precautions.
Moreover, landslides have damaged roads near Tattapani on the Shimla-Karsog route. The Giri dam in Sirmaur district has also released excess water, causing alarm among residents downstream.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, a total of 175 roads in Mandi district, 64 in Kullu (including National Highway-305), 25 in Kangra, 12 in Chamba, 13 in Shimla, seven each in Una and Sirmour, four in Lahaul-Spiti, three (including National Highway-5) in Kinnaur, two in Solan, and one in Bilaspur remain blocked for vehicular traffic.
The Meteorological Department of the state has issued yellow weather warnings for several districts until August 19, with specific warnings for Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, and Sirmaur on August 17, predicting heavy rainfall in isolated areas.