Three Light Avalanches Reported Near Atal Tunnel, No Casualties or Damage
At least three light avalanches occurred at separate locations near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel on Tuesday, temporarily blocking the crucial Manali-Keylong road for approximately two hours. The incident left several taxis stranded and caused significant inconvenience to passengers traveling through the region.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
The avalanches were attributed to continuous snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh. A Meteorological Department officer confirmed that the snowfall was responsible for these low-intensity avalanches, with predictions indicating that snowfall would persist in the state's elevated hilly regions.
On Monday, the weather department had issued a forecast warning about possible avalanches in areas situated above 2,900 metres in the Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts, highlighting the heightened risk due to adverse weather conditions.
Impact on Traffic and Road Restoration
In addition to the avalanches near Atal Tunnel, fresh snowfall was reported in Kinnaur district on Tuesday morning. This snowfall disrupted traffic on internal roads and the Reckong Peo-Kaza highway, further complicating transportation in the region.
However, as weather conditions improved during the afternoon, road restoration work was promptly initiated to clear the blocked routes and restore normal traffic flow.
Official Statement and Safety Measures
Mukesh Thakur, the Station House Officer of Sissu police station in Lahaul Valley, provided reassurance regarding the incident. He stated, "An avalanche occurred near the Atal Tunnel, but no loss of life or property was reported. After a brief halt, all vehicles were safely allowed to proceed towards Manali."
This swift response ensured that despite the temporary road blockage, all stranded vehicles and passengers were able to continue their journeys without any harm.
Weather Patterns Across Shimla
Meanwhile, Shimla experienced intermittent rainfall accompanied by light snowfall and gusty winds, reflecting the broader changing weather conditions across Himachal Pradesh. These fluctuations underscore the volatile nature of the region's climate during this period.
The combination of avalanches, snowfall, and rainfall highlights the challenges faced by residents and travelers in the state, emphasizing the importance of heeding weather forecasts and taking necessary precautions.
