Snowfall in Himachal: The fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has led to a lot of traffic disruption in various areas. Over 200 roads, including three key national highways, have been shut down. The extreme weather has reportedly claimed the lives of at least four people in the past 24 hours, while several others have been reported to be injured in minor accidents caused by vehicles skidding on icy roads. The snowfall, which began impacting districts like Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and the higher reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, and Sirmaur, has left travelers stranded across the state.
Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh: Traffic comes to a standstill, power outrage causes disruption
As many as 223 roads were closed, including major routes like the ones connecting Attari to Leh and Kullu’s Sanj to Aut. Traffic came to a standstill on roads leading to popular tourist spots like Manali and Shimla, causing major congestion. In Shimla, a total of 145 roads have been closed due to the heavy snowfall, while Kullu and Mandi districts saw 25 and 20 roads closed, respectively. Power outages have also been reported in several areas, with 356 transformers going offline, leaving many without electricity, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre.
Authorities have urged tourists to follow all advisories issued by local administration and law enforcement, and to heed local advice, especially when it comes to traveling in snowy conditions. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh while speaking to PTI, expressed his optimism noting that the snowfall would likely attract more tourists to destinations like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, and Dalhousie once the roads are cleared.
To address the situation, the government has deployed 268 pieces of machinery, including two snow blowers, to clear blocked roads. Some areas have reported impressive snowfall totals, such as Khadrala with 24 cm, Sangla with 16.5 cm, and Shimla with 7 cm. Snowfall also extended to the suburbs of Manali and Dalhousie, with light rain falling in lower and mid-hill regions. Despite the challenging conditions, authorities remain focused on clearing the roads and managing the increasing flow of tourists.
Himachal Pradesh Snowfall: 500 tourists stranded near Atal tunnel are rescued
Authorities have rescued around 500 tourists stranded near the Atal Tunnel, though the situation remains tense, with heavy snow continuing to affect travel. The state emergency services are working around the clock, deploying machinery to clear the snow, but with temperatures in Shimla and Manali dipping below freezing, the situation remains precarious. Local officials are urging tourists to follow safety advisories, avoid driving in the snow, and stay informed about road conditions.
Weather Warnings issued as cold wave grips Manali, Chamba, Mandi
A severe cold wave has been gripping the lower hills of Mandi, with chilly conditions also affecting Una and Chamba. The Met office reported dense, moderate, and shallow fog in Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi, respectively.
An ‘orange’ warning for extreme cold has been issued for Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi, while a ‘yellow’ warning for dense fog has been issued for parts of the Bhakra Dam reservoir area and the Balh Valley in Mandi, expected to last until Thursday.
Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the lowest temperature in the state, with a frigid minus 6.9°C at night. On the other hand, Una saw the warmest conditions, with daytime temperatures reaching 21.4°C.
Meanwhile, the state has experienced a 92% rainfall deficit since October 1, with post-monsoon rainfall standing well below the normal 70.4 mm mark, as of December 24.
(With PTI Inputs)