Heavy rain batters HP, four national highways among 453 roads blocked

As heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, four national highways, including Kiratpur-Manali NH, and 449 roads have been closed for vehicular traffic, State Emergency Operation Centre officials said on Tuesday, adding that road connectivity between Kullu and Mandi districts has been obstructed due to landslides.

- HARPREET BAJWA @Chandigarh

In Kangra district, Kalihani river changed its course due to landslides, cutting off tribal village Bada Bhangal, located at an altitude of nearly 7,800 feet between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains, from the rest of the state. As many as 292 roads and three national highways have been closed in Mandi district, 89 roads and one NH in Kullu, 23 roads in Kangra, 12 in Sirmour, 10 in Una, 18 in Chamba, five in Kinnaur and two in Shimla.