Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Fresh Snowfall and Avalanche Incidents
The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh witnessed a dramatic weather shift on Tuesday, as the higher elevations were blanketed with fresh snowfall while the lower and mid-hill regions experienced intense rainfall. This dual weather phenomenon has brought both scenic beauty and significant disruptions to the mountainous terrain.
Snowfall Spreads Across Multiple Districts
Residents and tourists in the upper reaches of Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Shimla districts woke up to a winter wonderland as snow began to fall steadily. Even the popular hill station of Shimla town saw brief snowfall, although it was not substantial enough to accumulate on the ground. The nearby areas of Manali, including the renowned Solang Valley, also recorded fresh snowfall by Tuesday evening, adding to the chilly ambiance.
Avalanches Trigger Travel Advisories and Highway Blockages
Amid an orange alert issued by the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), the region faced serious challenges due to avalanches. One significant avalanche struck near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, effectively blocking the crucial Manali-Keylong highway in Lahaul Spiti district for several hours. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) swiftly mobilized to clear the debris and restore traffic flow, as numerous vehicles were stranded due to the sudden obstruction.
In a separate incident, another avalanche occurred near Ribba village in Kinnaur district. Fortunately, both avalanche events did not result in any loss of life or property damage, providing a sigh of relief to local authorities and residents. However, the Lahaul Spiti police have issued a stern advisory, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas until normal road conditions are fully reinstated.
Rainfall and Temperature Extremes Recorded
While the high altitudes were dealing with snow, the low and mid hills of Himachal Pradesh were lashed by moderate to heavy rainfall that persisted until late Tuesday evening. This contrasting weather pattern highlights the diverse climatic conditions across the state's varied topography.
Adding to the cold snap, Tabo in Lahaul Spiti emerged as the coldest location in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, recording a bone-chilling minimum temperature of -6.4°C. This extreme cold underscores the harsh winter conditions prevailing in the higher regions, necessitating caution and preparedness among locals and visitors alike.
The combination of fresh snowfall, heavy rain, and avalanche incidents has put emergency services on high alert, emphasizing the need for vigilance during this volatile weather period in Himachal Pradesh.
