Daijiworld Media Network- Mandi

Mandi, Aug 1: Traffic on the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway came to a standstill on Thursday after a massive landslide damaged a 50-metre stretch near the Pandoh Dam in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, leading to complete disruption on the busy route.

The incident, which occurred between the Pandoh Dam and Baglamukhi ropeway on the Mandi-Kullu stretch, is believed to have been triggered by continuous rainfall since Wednesday night. The affected portion of the road has reportedly caved in, rendering the highway impassable.

Confirming the incident, Mandi SP Sakshi Verma said, “Chandigarh-Manali National Highway blocked in Mandi following a landslide near the Pandoh Dam. Continuous rainfall since last night is believed to have triggered the slide.”

Long queues of vehicles were seen stranded on either side of the blocked highway, with authorities urging commuters to avoid travel on the route until further notice.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon rains. According to the State Disaster Management Authority’s cumulative loss report, a total of 95 rain-related deaths and 78 road accident fatalities have been reported between June 20 and July 31.

Among the rain-related incidents, cloudbursts claimed 17 lives, flash floods eight, and landslides five. Drowning incidents and accidental falls from trees or rocky terrain resulted in 18 deaths each, while snake bites, electrocution, and a fire incident added to the toll.

Mandi district has reported the highest number of road accident fatalities at 14, followed by Shimla with 10, and Solan. Rescue and repair work on the damaged highway is currently underway.