Over 5,000 tourists rescued after heavy snowfall blocks Manali-Leh highway

Heavy snowfall in Lahaul Valley and Manali region on Dec 27 badly affected traffic movement on the Manali-Leh highway leaving around 1,200 vehicles, including tourist cars and buses stuck in Solang Nala of Kullu district.

According to local police, over 5,000 tourists were among the stranded travellers.

The snowstorm, which began on Dec 27 morning, caused an abrupt halt to traffic movement, leaving vehicles trapped in the region’s steep and treacherous terrains. The authorities swiftly began rescue operations, deploying teams from the Kullu Police Department to help the travellers.

The rescue operation focused on ensuring the safety of the tourists and other passengers who had been stuck for several hours in the region. Police officials confirmed that all stranded vehicles were safely evacuated, and the travellers were transported to a secure location in Manali, away from the snow-hit areas last night.

Sub-Divisonal Magistrate Manali Raman Sharma was quoted as saying that over 5,000 tourists and their vehicles were evacuated safely to Manali. Around 1,200 vehicles were moved safely to Manali from snow-bound Solang Nala. Traffic movement will be restricted towards Solang Valley and Lahaul Valley on the Manali-Leh highway beyond Nehru Kund near given public safety.

Heavy snowfall in Solang Nala on the Manali-Leh highway traps over 5,000 tourists.

Around 1,200 vehicles are moved safely to Manali. According to police, approximately over 5,000 tourists were among the stranded travellers.

In the wake of heavy snowfall, the district administration has also issued warnings to tourists and locals, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel in the region due to the ongoing snowfall and hazardous road conditions. Authorities are working to clear the highway and restore normalcy, but they have cautioned that similar disruptions may occur if the snowfall persists.

Meanwhile, the local administration continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinates with weather agencies to ensure prompt action in case of further weather-related disruptions.