For the previous two days, Himachal Pradesh, a hilly state in northern India, has seen continuous rainfall. Images of flash floods were first seen at Bagipul, in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, early on Monday morning (June 26). Strong tidal currents were seen on video during the disastrous flash floods, carrying away homes and anything else in their path. According to authorities, more than 200 individuals, both tourists and residents, were left trapped by the flash floods.
“Flash flood has hit the Bagipul area of Mandi district near Prashar Lake, with over 200 people including tourists and locals stranded near Baggi Bridge on Mandi Prashar Road. People are being evacuated to safer places in the region. Road connectivity was lost,” Sanjeev Sood, DSP Padhar, Mandi District Police told to a news agency.
Traffic movement on National Highway 3 in Mandi, near Hanogi Mata Temple, halted due to flash floods.
Dramatic video of the flash floods blocking Manali National Highway.
Several parts of Kangra City face waterlogging following incessant rainfall.
Mandi Police issues notice
“It is informed that severe weather condition with continuous rain and flash flood in Khoti Nala near Aut has blocked Mandi-Kullu National Highway. Also, the alternate routes to this highway are also blocked. The Mandi-Joginder Nagar Highway is also closed. The general public/tourists plying on these Highways are advised not to stay on the roads adjacent to mountains as there is a high risk of landslides/rock fall,” read a notice by Mandi Police.
Heavy rainfall predicted in Northern states including Himachal for next five days
The IMD has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over East central and parts of Northwest India during next five days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh today, said a notification by the weather agency on Monday, June 26 morning.