Chandigarh-Manali Highway blocked following landslides, flash floods

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been blocked after multiple landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in the region.

Himachal Pradesh has been witnessing intense rainfall this monsoon, causing flash floods, cloudbursts, and extensive damage to infrastructure, while also leading to significant loss of lives.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), as of August 17 evening, 352 roads—including three national highways—remain closed. In addition, 1,067 power transformers and 116 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state.

The authority said the ongoing monsoon havoc has claimed 263 lives since June 20, of which 136 people have died in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 127 were killed in road accidents.