Mandi: Torrential rainfall once again wreaked havoc in Mandi district, with several areas of Aut tehsil bearing the brunt of flash floods late last night and early this morning.
The worst-affected regions include Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwai, where sudden surges of rainwater swept debris onto the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway. Mud, stones, and water gushed into several houses and even trapped a number of vehicles. As a result, the highway has been shut to traffic, causing major disruption.
Authorities confirmed that landslides have also occurred at multiple stretches of the road, further complicating the situation. Rescue and relief teams have been deployed to clear blockages and assist residents affected by the deluge.
At Saranala, near the site of the four-lane construction project in Aut tehsil, the adjoining drain turned violent and damaged the protective wall of a company office. Employees residing there managed to escape just in time, preventing any casualties. Though no loss of life has been reported, officials acknowledged that the extent of property damage is considerable.
Mandi ASP Sachin Hiremath said that flash floods were reported at several points on the Mandi-Kullu stretch of the highway. “Communication and traffic have been disrupted at many places, but thankfully, there are no reports of fatalities,” he stated.
District authorities are continuing operations to restore connectivity and have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel in the region until conditions stabilize.
