A flash flood caused by a cloudburst near Jispa in Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, has blocked the highway and brought traffic to a complete halt. As a precaution, the police have stopped all vehicles from heading towards the affected area.
Acting on the directions of Lahaul-Spiti Superintendent of Police Shivani Mehla, the district police, along with Ladakh and Zanskar Police, has suspended the movement of traffic towards Jispa until further orders to ensure the safety of travellers.
The authorities have asked tourists, local residents and other commuters to avoid travelling towards Jispa until the road is cleared and traffic resumes. People have been advised to stay at safe places and follow updates issued by the police and district administration.
"A cloudburst occurred near Jispa this afternoon, blocking the road completely and causing a long traffic jam. As public safety is our priority, Lahaul-Spiti Police, in coordination with Ladakh and Zanskar Police, has stopped all vehicles from moving towards the affected area until tomorrow morning," SP Mehla said on Tuesday.
She said the cloudburst was triggered by melting glacial snow and not by rainfall, as the region has not received any rain. This is the second such flash flood reported in the area in the last two days.
The SP said teams are working to clear the road at Jispa. Traffic movement is being restored in phases wherever possible, while officials are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of commuters.
"We request all drivers, tourists and travellers not to move towards Jispa until the road is cleared and the situation becomes normal. Please remain at safe locations and follow official advisories," she added.
The district administration and police are keeping a close watch on the situation. Road restoration work will continue as conditions improve, and fresh updates will be shared as the clearance operation progresses.
Also read: Manali-Leh Highway reopens after glacier melt cuts off road
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