Manali-Leh National Highway Reopens After Cloudburst Chaos

The Manali-Leh National Highway 3 reopened for traffic following a flash flood caused by a cloudburst. The incident resulted in significant damage including the destruction of three houses. A yellow alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for parts of the state over the next four days.

The Manali-Leh National Highway 3 has been reopened for vehicular traffic, officials announced on Friday, two days after a flash flood between Dhundi and Palchan Bridge blocked a section of the road.

The deluge, triggered by a midnight cloudburst at the Anjani Mahadev nullah in Manali, caused substantial damage. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) managed to clear the road by Thursday evening.

Three houses were swept away and another was critically damaged, rendering four families homeless. The affected families are temporarily housed in a school.

Meanwhile, the Shimla meteorological office on Friday issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rainfall in eight of the state's 12 districts for the next four days. It warned of potential damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Rainfall continues across the state, with significant amounts recorded in various locations.

Since the monsoon began on June 27, 51 people have died in rain-related incidents, with losses estimated around Rs 390 crore, according to the emergency operation centre.

(With inputs from agencies.)