A landslide at Mandi district has halted the Chandigarh-Manali Highway (NH-3). Reportedly, the landslide occurred 7 miles near the Pandoh area of Mandi district on Saturday. The restoration work is still underway, according to the district police.
As a result, travel between Mandi and Kullu has come to a standstill. Huge rocks have blocked traffic on both sides of the route.
The highway has been closed since last night (July 30, night), and traffic is being redirected via Kataula, said Shalini Agnihotri, Mandi's Superintendent of Police.
So far no causalities have been reported, nonetheless, a vehicle parked on the location of the landslide was damaged.
“Since last night, the highway has been closed. After being hit by stones, one vehicle parked on the road was also damaged. On NH3, there is a huge vehicle queue, and traffic is being redirected via Kataula," said Mandi SP.
The district administration has dispatched personnel and equipment to clear the debris from the road.
Himachal Pradesh is witnessing heavy rainfall resulting in cloud bursts, flash floods, and landslides in several parts of the state in the past few days. This monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a property of over Rs. 500 crores. Since, June 13, more than 180 people have lost their lives owing to natural disasters in the state and many are missing. Over Rs100 crore loss has been reported in just two days.
On the other hand, the tourist movement in the state has not declined. Despite several heavy rainfall warnings and alerts, people are still heading towards the tourist sites.