Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Fresh Snowfall and Road Blockades
The picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh witnessed a fresh spell of inclement weather on Sunday, with rain and snowfall lashing the mid and high-altitude regions. This new wave of precipitation has exacerbated transportation challenges across the state, as hundreds of roads remain impassable due to accumulated snow from previous spells.
Widespread Snowfall Across Key Districts
Fresh snowfall was recorded in several parts of the state, notably in:
- Lahaul Spiti district
- The upper reaches of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Shimla districts
This has triggered a cold wave across Himachal Pradesh, with temperatures plummeting significantly. Key areas affected include:
- The Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel area
- Kothi and Palchan near Manali
- Pangi valley in Chamba
- Fagu and Narkanda in Shimla
Severe Road Blockages Disrupt Connectivity
The snowfall has led to severe disruptions in road connectivity. According to reports:
- 262 roads are blocked in Lahaul Spiti district alone, with 141 in the Spiti sub-division and 121 in the Lahaul sub-division.
- In Kullu district, 77 roads remain closed, with the Nirmand sub-division accounting for 37 of these blockages.
These blockages are primarily due to snow accumulation from the previous two spells of snowfall, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents and authorities.
Rainfall in Mid and Low Hills
While the high hills experienced snowfall, the mid and low hills were not spared from the weather's impact. Areas including:
- Kullu, Bhuntar, Mandi, Bilaspur, Una, Kangra, Chamba, and Hamirpur
recorded moderate to heavy rainfall on Sunday, adding to the overall weather-related woes in the region.
Temperature Plunge and Cold Wave Conditions
The fresh snowfall has led to a sharp drop in temperatures across Himachal Pradesh. Key readings include:
- Tabo in Lahaul Spiti was the coldest at -3.6°C
- Kukumseri recorded a low of -3.1°C
- Kalpa saw temperatures fall to -0.4°C
Among popular tourist destinations:
- Manali: 0.8°C
- Dharamshala: 3°C
- Shimla: 3.6°C
These figures underscore the intense cold wave gripping the state, affecting daily life and tourism.
Weather Forecast and Future Outlook
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a forecast predicting the possibility of light rain and snowfall in the mid and high hill areas of Himachal Pradesh on February 2 and 3. This indicates that the weather-related challenges may persist in the coming days, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness from local authorities and residents.
As Himachal Pradesh braces for more adverse weather, the focus remains on clearing blocked roads and ensuring the safety of those in affected areas. The combination of snowfall, rain, and freezing temperatures poses significant hurdles for transportation and daily activities across the state.
