News-Patiala News Service
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), 28 December
Heavy snowfall in the Lahaul Valley and Manali region on Friday caused major disruption on the Manali-Leh highway, while around 1,200 vehicles, including tourist cars and buses, got stuck in Solang Nala in Kullu district. According to local police reports, around 5,000 tourists were among the stranded passengers.
The blizzard that started early in the morning brought traffic to a sudden standstill, leaving vehicles stuck in steep and tangled terrain in the region. Officials deployed teams from the Kullu Police Department to help the passengers and quickly started rescue operations.
Police officials confirmed that all the stranded vehicles have been safely pulled out and the passengers have been taken to a safer place in Manali, away from the snow-hit areas last night.
SDM Manali Raman Sharma said that more than 5,000 tourists along with their vehicles have been safely brought to Manali. It may be noted that traffic will be restricted towards Solang Valley and Lahaul Valley on Manali-Leh Highway near Nehru Kund today in view of public safety.
The district administration has also issued a warning to tourists and locals, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel in the area due to persistent snowfall and hazardous road conditions. Officials are working to clear the highway and restore normal conditions, but they cautioned that such disruptions could occur if the snowfall continues.
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