Heavy Snowfall, Rains Trigger Landslides in Himachal Pradesh, Key Roads Blocked

Heavy snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh have triggered landslides and blocked key roads and national highways, disrupting daily life in many regions. The ongoing weather conditions have resulted in the closure of around 200 roads, isolating several areas, including the Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla districts. 

Due to the severe weather conditions, all educational institutions, including colleges, have been closed in Chamba and Manali. However, the CBSE Board examinations will proceed as scheduled. Authorities have warned of a potential avalanche risk in tribal areas and higher altitudes above 2,300 meters. Residents have been advised to avoid outdoor activities and take necessary precautions, according to media reports.  

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National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet road) was closed due to snow at Narkanda, while Deha-Chopal and roads connecting the Dodra-Kwar area are also blocked. Theog-Hatkoti Highway at Kharapathar village, located at 8,770 ft, is also closed. 

Meanwhile, in Kullu, heavy rains inundated Akhara Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar. Gushing waters have spilt onto the roads, damaging vehicles parked on the roadside. The administration there has restricted vehicular movement beyond Nehru Kund due to fresh snowfall at Solang Nallah, Gulaba, Atal Tunnel and Rohtang. 

A landslide at Banala has disrupted the traffic on the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway. Restoration work has yet to commence, as shooting stones are hindering the work, police said. Several roads within the tribal valleys are also closed owing to snowfall and widespread rains. 

As per a weather update, Kothi received the highest snowfall of 120 cm till 8.30 am, followed by Khadralawith with 115 cm, Keylong with 75 cm, Kalpa with 46 cm, Kukumseri with 38.8 cm, Sangla with 23.5 cm and Nichar and Moorang with 15 cm each. 

The lower and mid-hills have also been marred by heavy rains. Seobagh was the wettest in the state with 113.2 mm rain, followed by Bhuntar 113.2 mm, Banjar 112.4 mm, Jogindernagar 112 mm, Salooni 109.3 mm, Palampur 99 mm, Chamba 97 mm, Baijnath 75 mm, Kangra 74 mm, Rohroo with 70 mm, Kufri 59 mm and Shimla 5with 4.5 mm. 

The sky remained heavily overcast, and the meteorological station has issued an orange warning for heavy snowfall at isolated places in the Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts and higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kangra districts. 

The weather forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall, with heavy rain at isolated locations in the Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts. Residents of these areas should be prepared for fluctuating weather conditions. 

(With PTI Inputs) 

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