Himachal Grapples with Flash Floods, Dam Breach: Manali Leh highway blocked
Torrential rains have unleashed havoc in Himachal Pradesh, leaving a trail of destruction in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu districts. Families, travelers, and local communities are facing the brunt of nature’s wrath as swollen rivers breach dams, sweep away bridges, and cut off vital highways.
Manali-Leh Highway Shut, Stranding Travelers
The scenic Manali-Leh Highway—a lifeline for commuters and the military—has been closed near Jispa after flash floods submerged parts of the road late Thursday. Hundreds of vehicles are stranded as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) teams assess the damage. The Lahaul-Spiti Police have urged travelers heading to Leh to stay put in Keylong until the route is safe again.
Malana Dam Breach Sparks Panic Downstream
In Kullu, the Malana-I Hydropower Project suffered a major blow when its coffer dam partially collapsed under the force of raging floodwaters. Heavy machinery, including cranes, dumpers, and even a camper van, was swept away, while the Parvati River swelled dangerously. Though no lives were lost, the dam’s retaining wall caved in, triggering severe soil erosion and raising fears for villages downstream.
Valley Cut Off: Bridges Washed Away, Roads Crumble
The Parvati Valley now resembles a war zone—temporary bridges have vanished, roads have caved in, and landslides block key routes. A cloudburst near Manali buried the Kullu-Manali-Atal Tunnel road under debris, severing another critical link. Locals recount terrifying moments as rivers surged, carrying away everything in their path.
Authorities on High Alert Amid Relentless Rains
With the IMD issuing an orange alert for several districts, officials warn of more very heavy rains in the coming days. Emergency teams are on standby, monitoring dam discharges and landslide-prone areas. The plea to residents is clear: Stay away from riverbanks, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed official updates.
As Himachal battles this fresh wave of destruction, the resilience of its people is being tested once again. The road to recovery will be long, but for now, survival is the immediate challenge.
