Manali witnessed one of the most devastating floods in recent years as continuous heavy rainfall triggered the Beas River to overflow, unleashing widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh’s popular hill station. On Tuesday, the swelling waters swept away homes, shops, and even a multi-storey hotel, leaving behind scenes of chaos and fear. The gushing currents were so powerful that they demolished four shops and blocked multiple stretches of the Manali-Leh highway, cutting off a crucial route for locals and tourists alike. Officials confirmed that several residential areas were inundated as the floodwaters entered Alu Ground, one of the low-lying regions of the town.

Adding to the chaos, a fully-loaded heavy-duty truck attempting to cross the raging waters was swallowed by the torrent, with subsequent visuals showing no trace of the vehicle. The rising river has already disrupted life in Manali, leading to the collapse of buildings and mass displacement of residents. Local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and small shops, have been left in ruins as the destructive floodwaters surged through marketplaces and residential streets.

Authorities have deployed disaster management teams to carry out rescue and relief operations, but the heavy rainfall and blocked roads are hampering quick access to the worst-hit areas. Emergency response units are prioritizing evacuation from flood-prone zones while efforts are being made to restore communication lines and clear highway blockages. The situation remains tense, with weather officials warning of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, raising fears of more landslides and flash floods in the region.

For residents and tourists, the Manali floods are a stark reminder of the fragile ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh and the increasing threat of extreme weather events. With the Beas River still flowing above danger levels, the immediate priority remains ensuring safety and preventing further casualties as the hill town battles nature’s fury.