Following the latest spell of snowfall, authorities have restricted vehicular movement towards the Atal Tunnel, allowing only four-by-four vehicles to ply as a precautionary measure.

According to rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours, Manali received the highest precipitation at 53 mm, followed by Tissa in Chamba with 33 mm. Other areas, including Sarahan, Seobagh, Bhuntar, Shimla, Bharmour, Dharamshala, Bhatiyat, Sangla and Jogindernagar, also recorded moderate to heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next 48 hours in districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi and Shimla. The department has also warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds gusting up to 40–50 kmph during this period.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious, while tourists have been urged to avoid travel to higher altitude regions amid the prevailing weather conditions.

Except for Kinnaur, which remains outside the warning zone, all other districts are under a yellow alert. The weather office has predicted one or two intense spells of snowfall in higher reaches over the next two days.

The sudden shift in weather has brought back January-like cold conditions across the state. The average maximum temperature has dropped by around 5°C below normal, with some areas witnessing a decline of up to 11°C.

Chamba recorded the steepest fall, with its maximum temperature dropping by 11.1°C to settle at 16.8°C. In Mandi, the temperature fell by 7.8°C to 20.8°C, while Solan recorded 18°C after a drop of 7.4°C. Una saw a decrease of 6.4°C, bringing the maximum down to 23.4°C, while Manali recorded 14°C, down by 3.9°C from normal levels.

The IMD has forecast a further drop in temperatures over the next three days. However, from March 21 onwards, the western disturbance influencing the region is expected to weaken, leading to clearer weather conditions. Light snowfall may continue in isolated higher-altitude areas, while the rest of the state is likely to witness improved weather over the following days.

In a surprising development for early March, the maximum temperature has crossed the 30°C mark in a few areas of the state. Weather experts warn that if the current dry conditions persist for a few more days, several hill towns could record their highest-ever March temperatures.

Some prominent locations,  including Shimla, Kangra, Sundernagar, Kalpa and Bhuntar, are currently hovering just 1–2°C below their all-time March records.

Kalpa, located in Kinnaur district, recorded a maximum temperature of 24°C, which is 14.8°C higher than the normal level for this time of year. The town’s previous highest temperature for March was 24.4°C, recorded in 2010, indicating that the current heat is approaching record levels.

Similarly, Shimla registered a daytime temperature of 25.2°C, moving closer to its March record of 27.2°C set in 2004. Notably, the hill station had not crossed 20°C during the first week of March in the past five years, making this year’s spike particularly unusual.

The lower hill regions, including Sundernagar and Kangra, are also reporting temperatures 8–9°C above normal. However, the most significant departures from the seasonal average are being seen in the mid and higher hill areas.

Officials from the meteorological department say the sudden rise is largely due to prevailing atmospheric conditions. According to a weather department official, temperatures have been consistently high across the mid and upper hill regions in recent days, and similar conditions are expected to continue for another 48 hours.

The official explained that the current wind pattern over the region is preventing moisture-laden winds from reaching the hills, allowing temperatures to rise more quickly than usual.

Night temperatures have also increased significantly. In Shimla, the minimum temperature was recorded at 15.4°C, which is 9.3°C above the normal level for this period.

The combination of unusually high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions is becoming a cause of concern for farmers, particularly apple growers in lower altitude areas, as such weather can disrupt flowering and affect crop health.

Weather authorities have, however, indicated some relief ahead. Rainfall is likely in certain parts of Himachal Pradesh from March 7, and if the forecast materialises, it could bring a slight drop in temperatures across the state.

The snowfall has crippled infrastructure across the state. As many as 885 roads, including four national highways, remain closed, while over 3,000 power transformers are non-functional. Water supply has also been badly hit due to frozen pipelines, leaving thousands of households without drinking water.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand witnessed a brief respite on Thursday as sunshine returned after two days of continuous snowfall. However, major pilgrimage routes remain buried under thick layers of snow. Roads in Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri are still covered with 3 to 4 feet of snow. Auli in Chamoli district received nearly 2 feet of snowfall on Wednesday. Authorities have issued an avalanche warning across vulnerable areas of the state.

The impact of snowfall in the mountains is being felt strongly in the plains as well. Several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have reported a sharp drop in temperatures, accompanied by fog and rainfall. Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh received rain on Thursday morning, while cities such as Ayodhya and Lucknow were among nine districts that witnessed rainfall on Wednesday.

In Bihar, light to moderate rain is likely in five districts tonight, followed by a further dip in temperatures, intensifying the cold wave. Bhagalpur recorded the lowest temperature in the state on Wednesday at 7.4°C. Weather agencies have also issued thunderstorm and rainfall alerts for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh starting January 31.

In Uttar Pradesh, rain affected daily life in several districts. Schools up to Class 8 were closed in Sambhal, while classes up to Class 12 were suspended in Siddharthnagar as a precautionary measure. The Meteorological Department has issued hailstorm and rainfall alerts in 29 districts of the state.

Punjab and Haryana are also experiencing biting cold. Amritsar emerged as the coldest place in Punjab with a minimum temperature of 3.7°C, while Bhiwani in Haryana recorded 5.5°C. Dense fog reduced visibility in Chandigarh during the morning hours, adding to travel disruptions.

Authorities across states have urged people to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in snowbound areas, and follow weather advisories closely as harsh winter conditions continue to prevail.

The accident took place on the Lahat–Shivnagar link road near Shivnagar when the bus, carrying around 15 children, lost balance and overturned while negotiating a turn. Apart from the students, two teachers, the driver and the conductor also sustained injuries in the mishap.

Police personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and carried out rescue operations. All the injured were taken to Civil Hospital, Palampur, where doctors said their condition was stable and out of danger.

The incident triggered panic among parents and residents of nearby areas, many of whom hurried to the accident site after hearing about the accident. The bus was reportedly operated by a private school located at Pahara village near Panchrukhi. 

Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver failed to control the vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve. However, the driver maintained that the accident occurred due to the poor and damaged condition of the road, claiming that the bus was being driven at a normal speed.

Local residents also alleged that the Lahat–Shivnagar road has become increasingly unsafe due to poor maintenance and increasing traffic. 

The police have registered a case against the bus driver, though no arrests have been made so far. Further investigation is currently underway.

According to officials, light to moderate precipitation is also likely in adjoining areas, which could further intensify cold conditions. Over the past 24 hours, snowfall was reported from the upper regions of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts, adding to the winter accumulation already present in these areas.

In Lahaul and Spiti district, Gondla received the highest snowfall at 22 cm, followed closely by Koksar with 21.3 cm. Kukumseri recorded 19 cm of snow, while Keylong and Hansa witnessed 15 cm and 12.5 cm, respectively. In Kinnaur district, Kalpa and Sangla saw snowfall measuring 5.5 cm and 1.8 cm.

Cold conditions continued to prevail across the state, with minimum temperatures ranging between 2°C and 5°C in most regions. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 6°C, while Dharamsala stood at 5°C. Manali experienced near-freezing conditions with a low of 0.6°C.

Several places in the mid and lower hills also reported a noticeable dip in temperatures. Kalpa recorded minus 1.2°C, Narkanda minus 1°C, and Kukumseri dropped further to minus 2.9°C. Tabo village in Lahaul and Spiti emerged as the coldest location in the state, registering a biting minimum temperature of minus 8.9°C.

Weather officials have advised residents and travellers in snow-bound regions to remain cautious, as fresh snowfall could disrupt road connectivity and daily life in the higher reaches.

Although higher regions such as Lahaul and Spiti and parts of Chamba had witnessed snowfall earlier, most mountain areas had remained dry until now. The fresh spell of snow has now reached several regions, bringing a major change in weather conditions.

Snowfall was reported not only in the high-altitude areas of Shimla and Kinnaur but also in parts of the state capital. Several upper regions of Shimla district, including Chopal, Rampur, Narkanda, Khadapathar and Kufri, have been receiving steady snowfall since morning.

Heavy snow accumulation has led to road closures at some locations, including Deha and Chopal, disrupting vehicular movement. Power supply has also been affected in several areas due to the harsh weather.

The Meteorological Department had earlier issued an orange alert for widespread snowfall and rainfall on January 22 and 23. According to the forecast, the wet weather is expected to continue throughout the day.

The snowfall has come as a relief for farmers and apple growers, who were struggling due to prolonged dry conditions. It is also expected to give a boost to tourism, with fresh snow attracting visitors to hill destinations.

Under the new service, helicopter flights will operate daily between Sanjauli and Bhuntar airport in Kullu, as well as to the ITBP helipad at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur. In addition, helicopter connectivity between Chandigarh and Sanjauli will be available three days a week:  on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The fare for the Sanjauli–Kullu sector has been set at Rs 3,500 per passenger, while passengers travelling to Reckong Peo will have to pay Rs 4,000. The ticket price for the Sanjauli–Chandigarh route has been fixed at Rs 3,169.

Announcing future plans, the Chief Minister said helicopter services on the Sanjauli–Rampur–Reckong Peo and Sanjauli–Manali routes will be introduced shortly, subject to clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Sukhu said the new air services would ensure quicker, safer and more convenient travel for both tourists and local residents. He added that the Sanjauli heliport’s close proximity to Indira Gandhi Medical College would also prove beneficial during medical emergencies.

Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening aviation infrastructure, Sukhu said heliports are being developed at district headquarters and key tourist destinations across the state. Four heliports:  at Jaskot in Hamirpur district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, and Chamba are expected to be completed by March–April 2026, with an investment of Rs 15 crore each.

The fire reportedly broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am near the UCO Bank branch and rapidly spread to an adjacent structure, affecting two residential buildings that housed multiple families. Within minutes, the flames engulfed large portions of the area, triggering panic among residents.

According to officials, both buildings were completely gutted, with the intensity of the blaze increasing due to the explosion of LPG cylinders, which were heard going off during the fire. A significant stretch of the Arki market area has been reduced to ashes.

Firefighting teams were deployed from multiple locations, including Ambuja Cements Darlaghat, Banalegi, Boileuganj, and Solan, along with local fire tenders. After hours of effort, the fire was finally brought under control by around 7 am.

Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that the boy, believed to be seven to eight years old, was found charred inside the UCO Bank building, which also sustained heavy damage in the incident.

Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma and Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi visited the spot to review rescue and relief operations. Police personnel and disaster response teams are continuing search operations amid fears that several people may still be trapped.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated, officials said.

Residents said the cracks had been appearing over the past few days but worsened significantly on Friday, making the building unsafe for occupation. Locals have alleged that nearby four-lane highway construction work could be a contributing factor to the damage.

According to residents, the issue was brought to the notice of officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) earlier, but no immediate action was taken.

Following the evacuation, officials from the district administration inspected the site to assess the extent of structural damage and determine further action. Authorities said the situation is being monitored and appropriate measures will be taken after a detailed evaluation.

The bus was en route from Solan to Haripurdhar when it reportedly lost control and plunged into a deep gorge. The impact was severe, leaving the bus completely mangled, with debris scattered across the area.

Himachal Pradesh SP, Sirmaur, Nishchint Singh Negi said eight deaths had been reported in the bus accident. The bus on way to Shimla  from Kupvi rolled down the road near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district. He said the death toll could rise. The SP said 30-35 persons were in the bus at the time of the accident. 

Eyewitnesses said the accident triggered panic and chaos, as cries for help echoed through the area moments after the bus crashed. Locals rushed to the spot and informed the authorities, following which police, district administration  and rescue teams were immediately dispatched.

Relief and rescue operations are currently underway, with officials working to evacuate the injured and recover bodies from the gorge. The injured passengers have been shifted to nearby hospitals, where several are stated to be in critical condition.

Senior district officials have reached the site to supervise rescue efforts. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. An investigation has been initiated by the police.

According to preliminary information, the blaze erupted around 1 pm and spread rapidly through the old building. Residents living nearby noticed thick smoke rising from the palace and immediately alerted the Fire Department. Several locals also tried to contain the flames before emergency teams arrived.

At least four fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Firefighters, with support from local residents, managed to bring the situation under control after sustained efforts. Officials from the district administration also reached the site to assess the situation.

Authorities said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and an assessment is underway to evaluate the extent of damage caused to the historic property.

According to official sources, the action followed a detailed investigation by a fact-finding committee constituted by the college authorities. The inquiry was initiated after a complaint was lodged on December 19, 2025, by Shubham Singh, a second-year MBBS student from the 2024 batch. In his complaint, Shubham alleged that he was assaulted in his hostel room on December 18 by Harsh and Prashant Jha, both fourth-year MBBS students.

After receiving the complaint, the college administration informed the Station House Officer of the Balh police station and simultaneously launched an internal inquiry. The findings of the fact-finding committee were subsequently placed before the college’s anti-ragging committee for further action.

Based on statements recorded from the complainant, the accused students and other witnesses, the anti-ragging committee concluded that the two senior students had admitted to assaulting the junior student. As a result, they were held guilty of ragging-related misconduct.

However, the inquiry also brought to light serious misconduct on the part of the complainant. The committee observed that Shubham Singh had acted with mala fide intent and had earlier attempted to extract money from the seniors by threatening to misuse the Anti-Ragging Act to settle the dispute. The panel noted that the law was used for ulterior motives rather than genuine grievance redressal.

During the proceedings, it was also reported that both senior students were habitual offenders and had faced suspension in the past for disciplinary issues.

As per a report in The Tribune, college principal Dr DK Verma said the institution follows a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline. “On the recommendations of the anti-ragging and fact-finding committees, Harsh and Prashant have been suspended from the college for three months. They have also been expelled from the hostel for one year and fined Rs 20,000,” he said.

Dr Verma added that action against the complainant was equally necessary to prevent misuse of protective laws. “Shubham was found guilty of provoking the seniors and attempting to extort money by misusing the Anti-Ragging Act. He has been expelled from the hostel for six weeks and fined Rs 10,000,” the principal stated.

Officials said snow accumulation on the Rohtang route has made road conditions slippery and unsafe, increasing the risk of accidents. As a result, tourists have been barred from proceeding beyond designated points until weather conditions improve.

The impact of the snowfall was also seen on the road leading to the Atal Tunnel, where light snow covered several stretches, making driving difficult. Tourist vehicles were initially stopped from heading towards the tunnel earlier in the day, though limited movement was later permitted after conditions showed improvement.

With access to Rohtang restricted, Solang Nala has become the primary destination for visitors looking to experience snow activities. The area continues to attract large crowds for sightseeing and winter sports. However, the surge in tourist vehicles led to traffic congestion, with long queues reported at multiple locations between Manali, Solang Nala, and Nehru Kund.

Authorities allowed vehicle movement only up to Solang Nala during the morning hours. Traffic towards the Atal Tunnel and Sissu was restored later in the day once visibility and road conditions improved. Still, intermittent traffic jams were reported due to vehicles halting near Solang Nala.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and assured that access to Rohtang Pass would be reopened once weather and road conditions stabilise. Tourists have been advised to exercise patience, follow traffic regulations and check weather advisories before planning their travel.

An FIR has been lodged at the Dharamsala police station against Professor Ashok Kumar and three second-year students, Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika, under Sections 75, 115(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009.

The case was registered following a complaint by the victim’s father, Vikram Kumar, a resident of Sidhbari, Dharamsala. He stated that his daughter Pallavi, a second-year undergraduate student, was allegedly subjected to physical assault, intimidation and sustained harassment on September 18, 2025, by three fellow students. He further alleged that a faculty member of the college had engaged in obscene and inappropriate conduct with his daughter.

According to the complaint, the alleged incidents left Pallavi deeply traumatised and mentally disturbed, resulting in a sharp decline in her physical and psychological health. She was treated at multiple hospitals across Himachal Pradesh before being referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Ludhiana, where she succumbed during treatment on December 26, 2025.

The family told the police that the complaint could not be filed earlier as Pallavi remained critically ill for weeks and was under severe emotional distress. The family was also grappling with shock and grief following her death, which further delayed the registration of the FIR.

Meanwhile, the case has taken a more serious turn after allegations of caste-based discrimination and prolonged mental harassment surfaced. Reports indicate that while undergoing treatment and during her final days, Pallavi reportedly gave a detailed account of the humiliation, discrimination and psychological torture she faced. A video statement, allegedly recorded when she was in a critical condition, has since gone viral on social media, intensifying public anger and raising questions over the delay in police action.

Sources claim that the family had approached authorities earlier, but despite the seriousness of the allegations, an FIR was not registered for nearly two months, drawing criticism over institutional apathy and procedural delays.

Senior police officials said a comprehensive investigation is underway to examine all aspects of the case, including allegations of ragging, physical assault, intimidation, sexual misconduct and possible caste-based harassment. Investigators are also probing whether the alleged acts had a direct or indirect link to the student’s mental health decline and death.

Statements of Pallavi’s classmates, teachers, college authorities and family members will be recorded as part of the investigation. Medical records from all hospitals where she was treated, including DMCH Ludhiana, are being collected to determine the precise cause of death and establish any causal connection with the alleged incidents.

So far, snowfall has been observed only at Rohtang Pass and Shinkula Pass, while prominent hill destinations such as Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Kasauli remain without any snow cover. Despite this, tourist movement has risen noticeably over the past week.

Traffic data indicates that Shimla saw a sharp increase in tourist arrivals between December 18 and 24. During this period, over 54,000 tourist vehicles entered the city, carrying more than 2.5 lakh visitors to surrounding spots including Kufri, Mashobra, Fagu, Shilaroo, Narkanda and Naldehra.

Manali also experienced heavy tourist inflow ahead of Christmas. Nearly one lakh visitors reached the town through approximately 9,500 Volvo buses and other tourist vehicles. Officials expect footfall to climb further as New Year celebrations approach.

Snow-covered terrain is currently accessible at Rohtang Pass, located about 51 km from Manali at an altitude of 13,050 feet. Visitors can travel to the pass in private vehicles or taxis, subject to weather conditions and official clearance, and most trips are completed within a single day.

Shinkula Pass, situated around 130 km from Manali, links Lahaul with the Zanskar Valley and stands at an elevation of about 16,500 feet. Due to icy road conditions, access is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles, making it suitable mainly for adventure seekers.

Weather experts have predicted light snowfall in some higher-altitude regions today, followed by clear skies. Another mild snowfall spell is expected in the upper reaches on December 30 and 31. Meanwhile, temperatures across major tourist areas remain 2 to 4 degrees above normal, providing comfortable conditions for travellers.

The absconding inmate, Harish Kumar, a resident of Shahabad in Haryana, had been serving a life sentence for murder for the past 20 years. According to official sources, he fled from the open jail premises on Thursday evening.

Harish, known for his disciplined behaviour, was recently shifted from the closed jail section to the open compound. He had been assigned religious duties at the temple inside the jail and had served as its caretaker for the past six months.

The incident came to light during the evening roll call when Harish Kumar was found missing. Prison staff immediately launched a search, but he could not be found. The police were informed, and a case was registered to trace him.

Interestingly, Harish’s parole leave had already been approved, and his premature release file was under process. His sudden escape has left jail officials puzzled.

Under the open jail system, only inmates who have completed more than half of their sentence and maintained good conduct are allowed to live and work outside the main jail area. This is the first time in the history of Nahan open jail that an inmate has escaped.

Confirming the incident, Nahan Jail Superintendent Bhanu Prakash Sharma said, “Harish Kumar escaped on Thursday evening. The police have been informed, and an investigation is underway to trace him.”

According to police reports, the girls had gone to the rivulet to wash their school bags after school hours. The situation turned tragic when one of them accidentally slipped into the water. In an attempt to save her, the other two followed, but none managed to come out alive.

When the children failed to return home by evening, their worried families began searching. Villagers later noticed slippers lying near the stream and soon spotted two bodies floating. Local residents, along with the police, managed to pull all three girls out of the water. They were rushed to Adarsh Hospital, Thana Kalan, but doctors declared them brought dead.

Residents have urged the district administration to immediately implement safety arrangements at vulnerable points along the rivulet to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The heavy inflow into the reservoir, recorded at 64,964 cusecs, significantly exceeded the outflow of 49,899 cusecs released on Monday morning. This year, the Pong Dam has seen unprecedented inflow during August and September, peaking at 2.25 lakh cusecs, with outflow maintained at around 1 lakh cusecs for several days to ease pressure. Located in the Shivalik foothills of Kangra district, Pong Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels in Punjab and Himachal.

The swollen Beas river, which originates near Rohtang Pass and flows through Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts before entering Punjab, has already caused widespread damage. Over the past month, it inundated more than 100 villages in Kapurthala, submerging crops on thousands of acres and inflicting property losses worth hundreds of crores.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported exceptionally high rainfall in some districts of Himachal Pradesh. Mandi: rainfall was 566% above normal in the past 24 hours; Kangra: rainfall was 207% above normal and Kullu: rainfall was 36% below normal.

In the past week, rainfall has been 285% above normal in Mandi and 128% above normal in Kangra, while the overall rainfall across Himachal stood 20% above normal. Since June 1, the state has recorded a 44% seasonal surplus.

At the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River in Bilaspur district, the water level stood at 1,676.16 feet on Monday morning, about four feet below the danger mark. The inflow was measured at 40,999 cusecs, while the outflow was higher at 55,000 cusecs. Rainfall in Sutlej-fed districts—Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Bilaspur—was mostly below normal during the past week, except in Mandi.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for September 16, predicting fairly widespread rain and thunderstorms across Himachal Pradesh. Isolated to scattered rainfall is expected till September 21. In Punjab, where the monsoon has been 50% above normal so far, several areas received light to moderate showers with isolated heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. The forecast suggests light to moderate rain until September 19, after which dry conditions are likely to prevail.

Visuals from Manali showed the Raison toll plaza completely submerged, as the Beas surged through the road. In Kullu’s Manali, the river’s strong current swept away a multi-storey hotel and four shops, while parts of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway and nearly 200 meters of the Manali-Leh Highway were washed away, cutting off major routes and stranding tourists.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the state recorded 12 flash floods, two major landslides, and one cloudburst since Monday evening. Of these, nine occurred in Lahaul and Spiti, two in Kullu, and one in Kangra, while a cloudburst was reported from Chamba.

Beas is collecting the toll now, the river is claiming back its land. Visuals from Raison toll near Manali where the road is gone and the Beas now flows through the toll plaza. Sun is out today but rains are expected to be back soon. pic.twitter.com/xXgdH28o5C

— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) August 27, 2025

Although there was no direct loss of life from these incidents, one person drowned in Kangra and another died after a fall in Kinnaur.

Infrastructure in ruins

The SEOC reported that as of Tuesday evening, 680 roads remained closed, including 343 in Mandi and 132 in Kullu. Additionally, 1,413 transformers were damaged and 420 water supply schemes were disrupted.

State Minister Vikramaditya Singh estimated that the Public Works Department (PWD) had suffered losses worth Rs 1,400 crore, including Rs 550 crore in just the last three days. “Several bridges and roads have been washed away in Kullu and Manali. The state government is working with the NHAI and deploying heavy machinery to restore connectivity,” he said, adding that despite challenges, support is being extended to affected families.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, speaking to ANI, said the large-scale destruction was a direct outcome of climate change and global warming. “Heavy rainfall in Manali, Kangra, and Chamba has caused severe damage to highways and homes. The Himalayas will face even greater threats in the future. A special disaster relief package must be announced by the Centre,” he urged.

He also confirmed that the Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended due to the heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for the next seven days and issued an orange alert for several districts.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel. “National highways have been badly damaged, water levels are dangerously high, and evacuations are ongoing,” she said.

Kullu SP Dr Karthikeyan Gokul Chandran described Manali as the worst-hit subdivision, urging locals and tourists to follow official safety guidelines.

Following the road collapse, traffic has been halted in both directions, leading to long queues of stranded vehicles. One vehicle was reported stuck precariously at the edge of the damaged section.

The highway closure has severely impacted the daily supply of essential goods, including milk, curd, butter, bread, eggs, and vegetables, from Punjab to Chamba and Kangra districts.

The disruption has also affected the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, as more than 100 vehicles carrying pilgrims from Punjab and Jammu use this highway daily to reach Bharmaur. Tourism in Bharmaur, Dalhousie, Banikhet, and other popular hill destinations has also been brought to a standstill due to the closure.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed machinery to restore the road. However, persistent rainfall is hampering repair efforts. The India Meteorological Department’s Shimla centre has issued a heavy rain warning for the region until August 14, potentially delaying restoration work further.