Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours caused a massive landslide in Himachal Pradesh, isolating the remote Pangi Valley from the rest of the state. The landslide occurred along the Sansari–Kullu–Manali road at the border of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts, devastating a nearly 60-metre stretch of the road and leaving the region completely inaccessible.
Around 40–50 people in private vehicles and taxis became stranded at Sugalwas and Kadu Nullah after the incident. Many had to spend the night in extremely cold conditions, enduring the harsh weather without adequate shelter.
Eyewitnesses highlighted the severity of the landslide, noting that the entire hillside collapsed and no trace of the road remains. They reported that movement has become impossible, even on foot, effectively trapping individuals and creating an urgent need for rescue operations.
Local authorities have begun to shift several stranded individuals to safer locations while working diligently to restore access to the affected valley. The Border Roads Organisation has initiated operations aimed at reopening the road to facilitate connectivity.
The situation worsened as the Meteorological Department issued weather alerts across the state. An Orange Alert warned of possible hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds ranging from 40 to 60 kmph in districts like Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. A Yellow Alert indicated similar weather conditions in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Sirmaur.
Weather forecasts predict a prolonged wet spell until April 13, which poses challenges to rescue efforts and the overall safety of the residents.
Widespread rainfall has been recorded across Himachal Pradesh. Sarahan experienced the highest rainfall of 38.5 mm. There are also reports of hailstorms damaging crops in parts of the Shimla district, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local farmers. Higher reaches are likely to experience snowfall, contributing to the adverse weather conditions.
Cold conditions intensified across Himachal Pradesh, causing the temperatures to drop sharply. Kalpa and Kukumseri recorded lows of 0.4°C, with day temperatures remaining 3–9°C below average in many areas.
This ongoing inclement weather is attributed to a Western Disturbance, with another weather system expected to impact the region starting April 11. These patterns have raised alarms among local authorities concerning safety and preparedness.
The authorities have urged residents and travellers to exercise caution, avoid travelling through landslide-prone areas, and adhere to official weather advisories. Community safety remains paramount as the region faces continued challenges due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
