A massive landslide struck Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh, cutting off connectivity after heavy rainfall over the weekend. The incident occurred along the Sansari–Kullu–Manali road at the border of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts in the early hours of Saturday.
This landslide washed away nearly a 60-metre stretch of the route, leaving around 40 to 50 people stranded. Travellers who had hoped to reach or leave the picturesque valley found themselves stuck in private vehicles and taxis.
Witnesses described the scene as catastrophic, reporting that the entire hillside collapsed, obliterating any trace of the road. Conditions turned unbearable, and many stranded individuals spent the cold night outdoors amid diminishing temperatures.
Authorities have swiftly identified the severity of the situation. They mobilized teams to shift several of the stranded individuals to safer locations amidst ongoing rescue operations. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated restoration efforts aimed at reopening the road and reinstating connectivity to this isolated valley.
Besides Pangi Valley, numerous regions across Himachal Pradesh have faced significant disruption due to the weather. The Meteorological Department has sounded an orange alert for hailstorm, thunderstorms, and strong winds, particularly in districts like Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. A yellow alert has also been issued for potential severe weather conditions in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Sirmaur.
According to forecasts, a prolonged period of wet weather is expected until April 13, as a Western Disturbance continues to impact the region. Rainfall has been widespread; Sarahan recorded the highest precipitation, measuring 38.5 mm. Reports also indicate that hailstorms have caused considerable crop damage, particularly in parts of Shimla district.
The current weather not only poses challenges for travel and rescue operations but also brings about a sharp drop in temperatures across the state. Kalpa and Kukumseri reported lows of 0.4°C, with many areas experiencing day temperatures 3–9°C below normal levels.
Looking ahead, another weather system is anticipated to hit the region starting April 11. As per the advisory from meteorological authorities, residents and travellers must exercise caution, avoid travelling on landslide-prone routes, and adhere closely to official weather updates.
In conclusion, the massive landslide affecting Pangi Valley highlights the impact of extreme weather conditions prevalent during this season. As rescue and restoration efforts continue, real-time updates become crucial for the safety of locals and visitors alike in this stunning but vulnerable region of the Himalayas.
