Kullu, August 24: According to an official, the Public Works Department is working hard to quickly restore regular traffic flow.
Heavy rain in the region has badly impacted the Kullu-Mandi Highway in Himachal Pradesh, causing substantial damage and interruption, according to an official on Thursday. As a result, multiple vehicles have become trapped along the highway.
Commuters trapped in traffic described their situation, saying, “A traffic jam has extended for nearly 5-10 kilometres.” Food and water are in scarce supply. People here are in desperate need. “The congestion must be resolved as soon as possible,” a stranded commuter told ANI.
The Public Works Department is working to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible, according to an official source. Sakshi Verma, Superintendent of Police in Kullu, described the magnitude of the destruction, saying, “The road connecting Kullu and Mandi has been heavily damaged.” Even the alternative route via Pandoh has been damaged. As a result, traffic flow has been momentarily halted.”
“Last night, the district experienced heavy rainfall,” Sakshi Verma added. However, the PWD department is working hard to restore traffic, with the goal of reopening the road to small cars tonight, unless further rain interferes.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in anticipation of the hazardous weather conditions, anticipating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for two days beginning Thursday.
The constant rain has caused significant hardship for locals, which has been exacerbated by major water logging and tree uprooting, putting lives in danger. Shimla had 190 mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, with an additional 60 mm recorded on Thursday morning, according to an official statement.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Several buildings collapsed due to landslides in Anni town of Kullu district.
(Visuals confirmed by police) pic.twitter.com/MjkyuwoDuJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023
The constant rain in Himachal Pradesh has caused landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, causing significant damage in this ecologically fragile hill state.
The state government responded by declaring the entire territory a ‘natural calamity afflicted area.’
According to the most current data released by the state government, the continuing monsoon-related devastation has resulted in a financial loss of Rs 8014.61 crore since it began on June 24. The impact completely destroyed 2,022 dwellings and partially damaged 9,615 more. This monsoon season has also seen 113 landslides in Himachal Pradesh.
According to a government bulletin, 224 people have died as a result of the monsoon’s wrath, with an additional 117 people killed in rain-related incidents.
