Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed destruction across northern India, with Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir bearing the brunt.
In Manali, the Beas River rose dangerously after days of heavy rainfall, flooding key stretches of the Chandigarh–Manali highway. Sections of roads collapsed into the river, while bridges, shops, and even parts of hotels were washed away in the current. Viral clips showed vehicles being swept away within seconds, highlighting the sheer force of the flood. Thousands of tourists and locals remain stranded as authorities scramble to restore connectivity and launch rescue operations.
In Jammu & Kashmir, tragedy struck near the Vaishno Devi shrine route, where a massive landslide triggered by incessant rain buried roads and vehicles. At least 41 people have been confirmed dead, many of them pilgrims who had set out for the sacred journey. Rescue teams, including the Army and disaster response forces, are working round the clock to recover bodies and evacuate survivors.
The twin disasters underscore the worsening impact of erratic monsoon patterns in the Himalayan belt. With more rainfall forecast, officials have urged residents and travelers to remain cautious, avoid high-risk areas, and follow evacuation advisories. Relief camps are being set up to shelter displaced families.
