NH-5 Reopens After Landslide in Himachal Pradesh

The National Highway-5, linking Shimla to Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, has reopened after a four-hour closure due to a landslide at Nigulsari. No casualties were reported. The local Met office has issued an orange alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the region over the next few days.

The National Highway-5 reopened for traffic early Monday after remaining blocked for four hours due to a landslide at Nigulsari in Kinnaur district, officials said.

The NH-5 or the Hindustan-Tibet Road, which connects Shimla and Kinnaur districts in Himachal Pradesh, now sees resumed vehicular movement.

The landslide occurred on Sunday night, with officials confirming no casualties. Executive engineer of the National Highway Authority of India, K L Suman, stated the roadway is open for traffic.

Meanwhile, the local Meteorological office has issued an orange alert for the state, predicting heavy to very heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated spots on Monday and Tuesday.

Monsoon activity is expected to intensify over the next two to three days, with moderate intensity rainfall fairly widespread across the region. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Chamba, Kullu, Solan, and Sirmaur districts.

The Met department also warns of potential damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses, along with waterlogging in low-lying areas due to strong winds.