Photo used for indicative purpose only
Extreme coldwave continues paralyzing Himachal Pradesh; 2 lives lost to landslide
Shimla, Feb 6,
Normal life is partially paralyzed in the state due to mounting snow on 473 roads, affecting power supply in 398 distribution transformer regions and water supply in 73 schemes. Additionally, two lives were lost in a landslide early Tuesday morning.
The delayed winter snowfall and bone-biting cold wave have affected road communication in Himachal Pradesh, with 473 roads, including four national highways, remaining snowbound for the past week.
Freezing cold has hampered relief and rescue operations, although around 200 roads and 500 distribution transformers have been restored.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, informed that a temporary settlement of Bihar laborers was hit by a massive landslide on the Mehli-Junga road, resulting in the death of two workers and injuries to five others, including a woman.
In Kinnaur, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar reported that the search operation for a missing Chennai resident in the Satluj river after a car accident on Sunday afternoon was ongoing. The victim, Vetri Duraiswamy, along with two others, was involved in the accident when their car fell into the river near Kadhang Nullah while returning from the Spiti Valley. One occupant, Gopinath, was under treatment at IGMC, while the driver died in the mishap.
District Lahaul Spiti is the most affected by the current rain and snowfall, with three national highways, including Manali-Leh, closed between Manali and Keylong at Rohtang Pass. The Manali-Atal Tunnel Rohtang road is open only for four-by-four vehicles, while NH 305 is blocked at Jalorijot and Darcha to Sarchu, Darcha to Shinkula, and Lossar to Gramphu roads are closed due to snowfall until summer.
In Lahaul Spiti, 153 roads and two national highways are currently closed due to mounting snow. In Shimla district, 134 roads are snowbound, with 36 in Chopal, 33 in Rohru, 16 each in Kotkhai, Rampur, and Dodrakawar, and ten in Kumersen subdivision. The State Disaster Management Authority confirmed that 47 roads are affected in Udaipur and 24 in the Spiti subdivision. In Chamba district, 61 roads are snowbound, including 30 in Pangi subdivision, ten in Bharmour, seven in Salooni, and six each in Tissa and Chamba. In Kullu district, 68 roads are closed, including 22 in Manali subdivision, 19 in Nirmand, and 18 in Banjar, with nine in Kullu. Power supply regions in Kullu district, 123 in Chamba, and 114 in Sirmour are also affected. 38 water supply schemes are affected in the state. Maximum temperatures remained several degrees below normal today, with tourist resorts like Kufri at two degrees, Narkanda at three degrees, Manali at 4.8, Kalpa at 5.2, Shimla at 8.5, Jubberhatti at 12, Hamirpur at 13, Solan at 14.8, Dharamshala at 15, Mandi and Nahan at 16, Kangra at 17.8, and Una at 20. The Meteorological Office forecasts mainly dry weather in the state, but the cold wave could intensify.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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