Not sure about how long the wait will last, over 200 people, mostly tourists, are having a harrowing time as they are left stranded in a 15 km-long traffic jam in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district due to a blockage on the Chandigarh-Manali highway. Several places along the highway saw landslides and flash floods amid heavy rain in the state, leading to roads being blocked since last evening. However, operations to clear the landslide debris is underway. Explosives are being used to blast off heavy boulders on the way, according to officials.
Also read: Jammu-Srinagar national highway blocked after landslides due to heavy rainfall
The officials said the road will be open for traffic movement at least after seven to eight hours, according to news agency PTI.
There are commuters who are stuck since last evening as large number of vehicles are stranded on both sides of Aut area on the Pandoh-Kullu stretch. “We have been struck since last evening as the road is closed leading to a traffic jam and a large number of vehicles are stranded on both sides of the roads at Aut and six mile," a commuter told PTI.
Following reports of several landslides, authorities stopped the travellers to commute further and asked them to turn back. But, the 15-km long traffic jam made it even difficult for them to head back.
A tourist from Scotland said they are not aware of any information other than a landslide update on the highway. "The administration has said that there is a landslide ahead. I don't have much info, we have been here since 5 am," the tourist told news agency ANI.
{{/usCountry}}A tourist from Scotland said they are not aware of any information other than a landslide update on the highway. "The administration has said that there is a landslide ahead. I don't have much info, we have been here since 5 am," the tourist told news agency ANI.
{{/usCountry}}The water level in the Beas River has also raised due to continuous rains. Other parts including Shimla also received heavy rain after a cloudburst.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a flash flood warning for Himachal Pradesh in next 24 hours, along with a weather warning for next five days.
Also read: Monsoon rains arrive in Delhi, Mumbai same day
“Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm & lightning are likely at isolated places over plains, and low and mid hills on June 25 and 26. Flash floods are likely to occur in the districts of Kangra, Mandi, and Solan, Traffic congestion, poor visibility, and disruption in electric supply,” IMD said.