Just a day after traffic was restored on the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway (NH-3) between Mandi and Kullu, a massive landslide blocked the road again for vehicular movement on Saturday morning. The landslide took place at Khotinala in Mandi district, cutting off the key route once again.
Officials said the landslide occurred in the early hours, bringing down large amounts of debris and rocks that completely blocked the road. The highway, a lifeline for tourists, commuters, and transporters moving between Mandi, Kullu, and Manali, was left impassable. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which had only reopened the stretch on Friday after four days of closure, quickly sent teams and heavy machines to the spot. Officials said work to clear the road was being carried out on a war footing and, if the weather holds, the highway could reopen in the next one or two hours.
The fresh closure has once again stranded hundreds of travellers and transport operators who depend heavily on this route.
Flash floods strike Katwadhi village
In another incident, heavy rain triggered a flash flood at Katwadhi village under Nandi panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district on Friday night around 9:15 pm. The sudden surge in the Naseni Nallah created panic among residents as water levels rose rapidly.
The flash flood, carrying mud and debris, damaged the area’s only stone-cutting unit, affected nearby shops, and even swept away a parked car. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
Panchayat Pradhan Fata Ram confirmed the damage and said immediate steps were being taken. Local administration teams rushed to the spot soon after and began relief and damage assessment work. People have been advised to shift to safer areas and remain alert with more rain forecast in the coming days.
With repeated landslides and flash floods hitting the region, the district administration has urged residents and travellers to follow official updates closely and avoid unnecessary movement in risky areas. Authorities remain on high alert to tackle any new emergencies.
Also Read: Seven die in Reasi landslides, four in Ramban cloudburst
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