Mandi Landslide: Continuous heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over the last 24 hours has triggered massive landslides in several areas of Mandi district, paralysing road traffic and leaving thousands of vehicles stranded. The Manali–Kiratpur four-lane highway, a key link between Mandi and Kullu, has been shut since early Monday morning after large sections of the mountain cracked and collapsed near the Hanogi bridge in Jhanogi.

According to officials, huge boulders and debris have rolled down onto the highway, making restoration work extremely difficult. Public Works Department (PWD) teams began clearing operations around 5 AM, but their efforts were hampered when fresh rockfalls occurred in the afternoon while machinery was deployed near Hanogi.

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Mandi Rain: Multiple Landslide Points

Landslides have struck at several stretches, including near Pandoh Dam, Kanchi Mor, Jogni Mor, Shala Nala Thalot, Jhalogi and Hanogi bridge. A particularly large slide near the Jhalogi tunnel has worsened the situation, delaying clearance operations further. Officials said there is little chance of the road being opened on Monday, and stranded vehicles are being halted at safe points along the highway.

Himachal Flash Floods: Damage In Villages

Meanwhile, flash floods and debris flows have caused heavy damage in villages including Shalanala, Aut, Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwai. In Shalanala, debris entered residential homes and damaged the Afcon Company colony and office. Takoli vegetable market also reported severe destruction, with shops and houses affected. Waterlogging and mud have blocked stretches of the four-lane road in these areas.

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Himachal: Traffic Towards Kullu Has Been Restricted

Police confirmed that traffic towards Kullu has been stopped at Bajaura, while vehicles behind Pandoh are being held at Nine Mile and Nagchala. “For safety reasons, movement will not be allowed until landslide-prone stretches are secured,” said Anil Katoch, in-charge of Pandoh police station. He added that restoration work is in progress but the road is expected to reopen only by Monday afternoon.

Relief Efforts Continue

Authorities have deployed additional machinery and teams to speed up debris clearance. However, officials warned that intermittent rainfall and unstable hill slopes could trigger fresh landslides, slowing down recovery.