KULLU/JAMMU: Relentless monsoon rain continued to pound Himachal Pradesh and J&K, unleashing flash floods and landslides that left key highways blocked Sunday, disrupted trade and halted pilgrimages. Both Himalayan states are battling extensive damage to lifeline routes as restoration crews raced against worsening weather.More than 660 roads, including four NHs, remained blocked in Himachal. Manali-Atal Tunnel highway, which leads to Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti and Leh-Ladakh region, was blocked at three places after landslides and road cave-ins. Chandigarh-Manali highway stayed shut at multiple points, forcing traffic to divert along a narrow left-bank road of Beas.Farmers and traders in Lahaul-Spiti reported mounting losses. “The apple market has crashed as traders are reluctant to buy due to condition of the highways. If roads and highways are not reopened soon, farmers will suffer massive losses,” said orchard owner Sunil Sharma.Himachal struggled to recover from a season of destruction that has brought 72% excess rainfall in Aug alone. A red alert for heavy rain was in force for Chamba, Sirmaur, Solan and Bilaspur districts, and an orange alert for Shimla. Flash floods struck rivulets in Naggar village and Kullu town, flooding homes and streets Sunday.Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 stayed closed for traffic for the sixth straight day. CM Omar Abdullah toured Ramban and Udhampur districts to review damage from cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi shrine remained suspended for a sixth day, with all bookings refunded in full since Aug 26 when a landslide at Ardhkuwari killed 34 pilgrims.
