Himachal Pradesh Battles Extreme Cold Wave with Widespread Snowfall
The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh found itself in the grip of an extreme cold wave on Tuesday, as moderate to heavy snowfall blanketed the mid and high hills while the lower regions experienced heavy rainfall. This severe weather event has significantly disrupted daily life across multiple districts, leading to transportation chaos, utility failures, and widespread administrative closures.
Snowfall Paralyzes High-Altitude Districts
Fresh snowfall was recorded across most areas of Lahaul Spiti district, including key locations such as Koksar, Sissu, Gondhla, Tandi, Keylong, Kukumseri, and Jispa. The intensity of the snowfall resulted in the majority of roads becoming blocked and triggered extensive power outages throughout the region. In Chamba district, the Pangi valley was completely cut off from the rest of the state after receiving more than one foot of snow, with power and water services severely impacted. The Bharmour region of Chamba also reported heavy snowfall, compounding the challenges for residents and authorities.
Transportation Disruptions and Rescue Operations
The snowfall created major transportation hurdles across affected areas. In Shimla district, fresh snow accumulation in Chaupal, Fagu, and Kufri led to the closure of the road connecting Fagu to Kufri. While Shimla town experienced only light snowfall in the late afternoon, disappointing many visitors, Manali and surrounding areas including Solang valley received substantial fresh snowfall. To manage the hazardous conditions, Kullu police implemented strict traffic controls, allowing only 4X4 vehicles beyond Patlikuhal on the Manali highway to prevent accidents and traffic jams.
Despite these measures, significant traffic congestion was witnessed on the Manali-Palchan road and at Solang valley during daytime hours. As snowfall intensified towards evening, police halted all vehicles at Nehru Kund near Manali. Authorities reported that approximately 10,000 stranded vehicles and 100 buses had been moved out of Manali since January 24. In a notable rescue operation, Kullu police successfully saved two stranded labourers from the snow gallery tunnel in Dhundi near Atal Tunnel.
Administrative Response and School Closures
In response to the severe weather forecast, the Kullu administration took proactive measures by keeping all educational institutions closed in the upper reaches of the district, including Parvati valley, Fojal valley, and Lug valley. Schools also remained shut in Manali and Banjar sub-divisions on Tuesday. Prioritizing student safety, the administration extended these closures through Wednesday across Kullu, Manali, and Banjar sub-divisions. Similarly, the local administration in Lahaul Spiti closed all educational institutions due to the heavy snowfall.
Temperature Plunge and Weather Forecast
The combination of snow and rain triggered a fresh cold wave across Himachal Pradesh, with Tabo in Lahaul Spiti recording the state's lowest minimum temperature at -8.9 degrees Celsius. Other areas reported similarly frigid conditions: Kukumseri at -2.9 degrees Celsius, Kalpa at -1.2 degrees Celsius, and Narkanda at -1 degree Celsius. Among popular tourist destinations, Manali registered 0.6 degrees, Kufri 1.7 degrees, and Shimla 6 degrees.
This recent snowfall represents the second significant spell within five days, following heavy snowfall in many parts of the mid and high hills on January 23. The weather department has predicted continued light rain and snowfall in parts of the mid and high hills on Wednesday, suggesting that the challenging conditions may persist. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall affected the low hills of the state, including Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, Chamba, and Bilaspur districts.
