Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) [India], March 1 (HBTV): Flash floods triggered by incessant torrential rain have swept away or trapped many vehicles in sludge in the lower areas of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. The heavy rainfall has also caused landslides in several parts of the region.

Latest visuals from the area show vehicles stranded in deep sludge following the flash floods.

The Meteorological Department has forecast light snowfall at isolated places in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts, as well as in the higher reaches of Kullu, due to a Western Disturbance.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reported on Friday that 583 roads across the state, including five national highways, have been blocked due to snowfall and rain. Additionally, 2,263 distribution transformers (DTRs) are down, affecting power supply in numerous areas. As of Friday, 279 water supply schemes have been impacted, leaving many regions without essential services.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged people to stay away from rivers and streams as heavy rains and snowfall continue to affect several districts, including Kullu.

‘I have been taking stock of the situation since morning. All people are requested to be cautious and follow the guidelines issued by the administration. Stay away from rivers and streams,’ Sukhu said.

The chief minister stated that authorities have been directed to open the gates of one of the power project dams as heavy downpours have led to flooding and landslides in Kullu.

‘I spoke with the deputy commissioners of Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti. We welcome the rains, but Kullu witnessed heavy downpours. We have directed that the gates of one of the power project dams be opened,’ he said.

Intense snowfall has been reported in the upper Himalayan regions of Lahaul and Spiti. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued an alert for heavy rain and snowfall in multiple districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish has appealed to people to remain indoors until the water level recedes.

‘Many link roads and the main road on the left bank have been blocked due to continuous rain over the last 15-16 hours. I request the public to remain where they are as the water level in rivers and nalas has risen. Due to sudden landslides, water flow in the river may increase. Work is underway to restore electricity in Manali and Kullu,’ Ravish said.

‘There are reports of one foot of snow in Manali. Educational institutions in the district are closed today due to heavy rain. The main national highway from the Jalori side is closed,’ he added.

(ANI)