MANALI/SHIMLA: Flash floods and landslides in the last two days have affected 18 panchayats of tribal Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh. Five bridges and several houses were damaged and farm soil, vehicles, and roads have been washed away.
Though light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue in most parts of Himachal, the meteorological department has predicted landslides in some parts of Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla and Solan districts. A warning has been issued along national and state highways since the landslides could cause disruptions in traffic.
Meanwhile tourists stuck in Lahaul were moved to safety, while 72 stranded pilgrims took refuge at the Trilokinath temple near Udaipur. The state government will try to airlift them on Friday. The temple trust has been providing them food and the pilgrims will return once the roads and bridges are repaired. The road that joins Keylong, Udaipur, and Kishtwar has taken the worst hammering and may take days to reopen. The Manali-Leh highway reopened on Thursday evening, while the stranded and emergency vehicles were routed via bypass.
Lahaul-Spiti DC Neeraj Kumar said the valley’s remaining tourists were safe and teams were at work to restore traffic. “The road link to a few major places is expected to be re-established by Friday. The nullahs are still in spate but we are on alert,” Kumar said.
