A landslide in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, shuts National Highway-5

Following a landslide on Monday morning in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, the National Highway-5 was closed close to Shamlech village, according to authorities.

The incident, which happened at approximately 7.30 am on the Shimla-Kalka Road near the Solan bypass and stopped traffic, was believed to have resulted in no casualties.

The local police ordered the drivers to turn around and use the old Barog route as they saw cars trapped on both sides of the road.

Excavators have begun working on opening the road after reaching the landslide site, according to authorities, who also promised that the material would soon be removed.

After recent snow and rain, 259 highways in all, including five National Highways, were blocked to motor vehicles in Himachal Pradesh.

The state emergency operation center said that up to 237 roads were closed in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, nine in Kinnaur, five in Chamba, four in Kullu, two in Mandi, and one in each of Shimla and Kangra.