Shimla: Rock slide due to heavy rains has cut of the high altitude tribal district of Kinnaur as the Indo-Tibetan border highway that passes through the area along Satluj River valley is blocked.
“Heavy rains in the region have triggered landslides in the rocky region around Nathpa village of Kinnaur and blocked national highway 22,†said Naresh Thakur, SDM Rekong Peo, which happens to be the district headquarters of Kinnaur.
Reports reaching the capital say that many vehicles, including those of tourists were stranded on the road.
Heavy machinery has been moved in and rock blasting was taking place, said the officer. In all probability the road would open by Saturday, he added.
The road besides serving as the vital link to para-military forces guarding the Indo-China border is also the lifeline road for Kinnaur and Spiti valley in Lahaul-Spiti district.
Heavy downpour also disrupted road traffic on the Shimla Manali and Shimla Dharmshala routes at various points.
The weatherman has forecast more rains in the days ahead, which are a result of a western disturbance hanging over the region. The monsoon is expected to reach the hills by end of June.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.