NEW DELHI: Multiple flash floods struck Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Sunday, disrupting connectivity along the Mandi–Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway. The incidents were reported at Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain areas. “There has been no report of human loss in the incidents,” said Sachin Hiremath, ASP, Mandi.Heavy rainfall across the state has left 374 roads, 524 power distribution transformers, and 145 water supply schemes disrupted, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). Major highways including NH-305 and NH-05 remain blocked due to landslides and flash floods, with Mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur among the worst affected districts.The cumulative toll this monsoon has risen to 257 since June 20, with 133 deaths caused by landslides, flash floods and house collapses, while 124 people lost their lives in road accidents. Mandi reported the highest disruption, with 203 roads blocked and 458 transformers out of service. In Kullu, 79 roads remain closed, including NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag) where a major landslide occurred.Officials said restoration work is under way but progress is hampered by continuous rainfall and fresh slides. Water supply schemes were hit in Chamba, Kangra and Mandi, while in Kinnaur six roads, including NH-05, were blocked. Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti also reported outages due to flash floods and high-tension line faults.Authorities have cautioned that intermittent rainfall in the coming days may worsen conditions and have urged people to avoid travel through vulnerable stretches.(With inputs from agency)
