Historic Bridges Washed Away, Highways Closed Amid Heavy Rains in Himachal Pradesh

Torrential rain in Himachal Pradesh has caused several bridges to collapse, as well as landslides and flash floods.

Ashwani Kumar, the Additional District Magistrate of Mandi, reported that the historical Panchvaktra bridge in Mandi district was washed away, as was a 50-year-old bridge connecting Aut with Larji.

News agency ANI shared footage depicting the 50-year-old bridge connecting Aut in Mandi district with Larji beside Sainj and Banjar being washed away in the torrential rain.

Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that these bridges were of significant historical significance for Himachal Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms will continue in the state for the next few days.

The incessant downpour resulted in approximately 20 landslides, 17 flash floods, and damage to over 30 houses, along with roads and vehicles. Officials stated that major rivers such as Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan, and Chenab were overflowing.

Earlier, videos captured the swollen Beas river sweeping away a section of the national highway in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, and hundreds of people are stranded in different parts of the state. There have also been reports of muddy water gushing into houses in Una, shops submerged in Manali, and vehicles flowing in floodwater in Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chamba districts.

The government has urged people to stay safe and avoid traveling during this time.