Breaking News: Beas River in Spate Wreaks Havoc in Himachal
Manali, August 26 – Heavy overnight rains sent the Beas River surging above its banks near Manali, washing away four to six roadside dhabas, sheds, and small hotels along the National Highway.
Floodwaters inundated eateries and shelters, forcing workers and dhaba owners to flee just in time.
Heavy rain-triggered floods wreaked havoc in uphill Manali as Manalsu Khad Bias Nala, and the Bias River — originating from the Bias Kund glaciers in Rohtang Range were in Spate.
The floods caused large-scale damage downstream.
Old Manali villages including Ghoshal, Shanag, and Palshan were the worst hit.
Several houses were inundated while many sheds and labour huts were completely washed away. However, no loss of life has been reported so far as they vacated in time.
Manali town itself, including the old bus stand, remained safe.
But road connectivity between Manali and the Atal Rohtang Tunnel suffered major disruption at multiple points, particularly between Palchan and Solang Nala.
The 200 m portion of the highway collapsed and washed away in the river. It has exposed shallow way the BRO is constructing the highway near the rivers in the fragile mountains.
The smaller traffic is being diverted through old Manali but the big trucks and bus services would remain suspended as BRO will take time to retore connectivity here.
Former minister and Manali MLA Govind Singh Thakur rushed to the spot this morning, meeting victims and inspecting the damage.
He said the Beas, which was in full spate last evening, had receded by morning, sparing lives but leaving behind massive destruction.
Connectivity with Kullu has snapped as bridges, embankments, and road stretches have been battered by the flood.
In Kinnaur’s Panvi Khad, flash floods caused fresh devastation, while Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra districts reported large-scale damage from unrelenting downpours.
In Shimla district in Chopal subdivision, Shalvi khad was in Spate inundating riverbanks posing danger to the houses that have come up along the banks.
The schools and educational institutions are shut in most districts as IMD has issued red alert on August 25 of heavy rainfall in Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu districts.
Adding to the weather fury, snowfall hit Zanskar valley in Ladakh today morning.
With the IMD sounding a red alert for Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla, schools and colleges have been shut.
Authorities have strictly warned tourists and locals to keep away from rivers and khads.
Rescue teams remain on high alert as more rain is forecast.
