National News: In Himachal Pradesh, the popular hill town of Manali has been battered by relentless downpours. Early today, a sudden cloudburst near Dhundi and Anjani Mahadev triggered widespread devastation. The Beas River swelled dangerously, overflowing its banks and unleashing flash floods that left tourists stranded, roads broken, and dozens of hotels facing the threat of collapse.
Roads Washed Away, Tourists Stranded
The flood swept away large portions of the four-lane road and the national highway, cutting off all routes to and from Manali. Thousands of tourists are still stranded in the town. Hotels close to the riverbanks have been evacuated, while others continue to house stranded visitors.
Popular Restaurant Destroyed
In Bahang, Manali’s well-known “Sher-e-Punjab” restaurant was completely swept away by the flood, with only its entrance gate left standing. Along with it, four nearby shops were also destroyed in the floods.Travel packages to India
Heavy Snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti
In the Lahaul-Spiti region, heavy snowfall blocked mountain passes, including Shinkula and Baralacha. Over a foot of snow has fallen, blocking the roads and leaving both tourists and locals stranded in the region.
Bus Stand and Market at Risk
The Volvo bus stand in Manali, which usually accommodates hundreds of tourist buses, was also affected. Authorities managed to shift some buses to safer areas. Meanwhile, floodwater entered the vegetable market at Aloo Ground, damaging the foundation of the mandi building, which is now at risk of collapse.
Rising River Level, Officials on Alert
Manali DSP KD Sharma confirmed that the Kullu-Manali national highway is closed at several places, though traffic on the left bank road is still moving. He urged locals and tourists not to travel until the situation improves, warning that the water level of the Beas River is still rising.
