Himachal's Rains Unleash Havoc: Chandigarh-Manali Highway Shut for Third Day, Thousands Stranded

Himachal Pradesh, the 'Devbhumi' or Land of Gods, is currently grappling with an unprecedented natural fury. Incessant, torrential rains have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods, casting a shadow of distress over the serene valleys. Its vital artery, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH-3), has been rendered impassable for a harrowing third consecutive day, trapping thousands in a relentless cycle of uncertainty and distress.

The picturesque valleys, usually bustling with tourists, now echo with the anxieties of those stranded.

Families, pilgrims, and adventurers find themselves cut off, with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies. The joy of a mountain getaway has quickly turned into a test of endurance, as thousands await the reopening of critical routes to return home or continue their journeys.

From crumbling mountainsides to surging river currents, multiple landslides and flash floods have carved a destructive path, particularly along the stretch between Mandi and Kullu.

Massive boulders, mud, and debris have completely engulfed sections of the highway, transforming picturesque routes into perilous obstacles. The closure has crippled movement not just for tourists but also for local residents and essential services, highlighting the fragile nature of mountain infrastructure against such powerful natural forces.

While NH-3 bears the brunt, other crucial links, including the Mandi-Kullu road and the Aut-Kullu route, also remain severely disrupted.

The scenic bypass near Pandoh and the infamous Mandi-Kullu four-lane project area have become epicenters of the blockages, requiring massive clearance operations. Reports indicate that over a thousand vehicles, including buses and private cars, are stuck at various points, with passengers experiencing dwindling supplies and growing concerns.

Local authorities, emergency services, and dedicated teams are working tirelessly around the clock, battling adverse weather and challenging terrain to clear the roads.

Efforts are underway to ensure essential provisions reach the trapped individuals, and alternative, albeit longer, routes are being explored for evacuation where possible. However, the sheer scale of the damage and the continuous nature of the rainfall pose significant challenges to these operations.

With the Meteorological Department forecasting continued heavy rainfall in the region, the situation remains precarious.

The mountains continue to shed their skin, posing a constant threat of new landslides and further hindering rescue and relief operations. As Himachal Pradesh braves this immense challenge, the resilience of its people and the unwavering spirit of those working to restore normalcy shine through, even as the region yearns for clear skies and the reopening of its lifelines.