Torrential rains and a cloudburst on Sunday wreaked havoc in several parts of Chamba district, triggering flash floods, landslides and massive disruption of traffic.
The famous Manimahesh Yatra has been halted due to a landslide near Sundrasi on pilgrimage trek.
Heavy downpour caused a stream to swell at Talai near Dalhousie, flooding the Guniala village downstream and sweeping away several vehicles.
Electricity transformers, poles and supply lines were also damaged, plunging the area into darkness and creating panic among villagers. Fortunately, no loss of human life was reported. A bridge collapsed and the cremation ground was inundated by floodwaters at Devidhera.
Heavy rainfall also caused multiple landslides across the district. On the Bharmour-Pathankot highway at Bathri’s Patna Mod, a Delhi-Chamba Volvo bus and a car were hit by debris, though all passengers escaped unhurt.
The Chamba-Pathankot National Highway was blocked after a hill collapsed near the Nalda bridge at Bathri. Scores of Manimahesh pilgrims and other travellers were stranded as traffic came to a halt. Long queues of vehicles were reported on the route. In Gholti, near Chamba town a local stream overflowed into residential areas, creating hardships for families, while in Hardaspura also floodwater entered a house.
The Chamba-Bharmour National Highway also suffered multiple blockages. Landslides near Lahad and Kalsui rendered the highway impassable. Machinery and workers from the National Highways Authority have been deployed to restore traffic, but heavy rain is hampering the operation.
Several other major and link roads have been blocked, including Chamba-Bhatiyat via Jot, Chamba-Khajjiar via Gate, Chamba-Tissa, Shahpur-Sihunta-Lahru and Tunnuhatti-Lahru-Chowari.
Landslides and overflowing streams have left many villages isolated, while debris continues to flow onto roads. Power and water supply has also been severely disrupted.
Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said the district has been experiencing heavy rain since early Sunday morning. “We appeal to people not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. In case of any emergency, residents should immediately inform the police or administration so that timely relief and rescue operations can be carried out,” he said.
Manimahesh Yatra suspended after landslide
The Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended after a massive landslide at Sundrasi blocked the pedestrian route to the sacred Dal Lake on Saturday. Pilgrims who were stranded along the route were later evacuated to safety.
The adverse weather also forced the grounding of the heli-taxi service from Bharmour and Holi to Gaurikund. Officials said the pilgrimage will only resume once conditions improve and the route is restored.