Shimla, Feb 28,
Himachal Pradesh faces heavy Snowfall and Avalanche Warnings as disruptions in Key Districts, particularly in the districts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur, and Chamba are being reported. A fresh spell of snow and rain, accompanied by strong winds, has disrupted road traffic, power supply, and communication in the affected regions.
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The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert, warning of persistent heavy snowfall and rain in the high-altitude areas of the state.
In Lahaul-Spiti, a medium-danger level avalanche is expected above 2300 meters in the next 24 hours. Authorities have urged locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary movement in avalanche-prone zones. Residents and travelers have been advised to take extreme caution, as avalanches can be triggered due to heavy snow accumulation. The Lahaul-Spiti police have also issued safety advisories, asking people to stay alert and report any emergencies to the nearest authorities.
Braving the treacherous conditions, local youths from Muling village, along with Panchayat officials, successfully rescued two stranded tourists near Dalang Maidan’s Crusher Mode. Sushil, the deputy head of Muling Panchayat, who played a key role in the rescue, stated that it was a challenging task but they could not leave the tourists behind in such severe weather.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has paralyzed road traffic in various parts of the state. In Shimla district, National Highway 05 (Shimla to Rampur) remains closed near Narkanda, with traffic being diverted through Luhri and Sunni. The district administration has warned drivers against traveling during early morning and late-night hours due to slippery roads.
In Kullu, an artificial lake formed by a landslide has led to a stagnant water flow in the Parvati River. The administration has evacuated hotels and houses near the river in Tosh village, fearing a flash flood in case of a sudden lake breach. SDM Kullu has urged people to stay away from the riverbanks and refrain from taking selfies near the water, emphasizing the imminent danger. SDM Anni Naresh Verma and SDM Nirmand Manmohan Singh stated that the ongoing heavy snowfall and rainfall were making it difficult for students to reach schools. The increasing cold could further worsen the situation, and several areas are at risk of landslides. Considering these factors, the administration has decided to keep all educational institutions and Anganwadi centers closed on February 28.
The fresh spell of precipitation, bringing 25 mm to 40 mm of rainfall across the state, has ended the prolonged dry spell. However, the heavy snow has caused significant power and communication disruptions in several areas. Narkanda and Kharapathar remain cut off, and authorities are working to restore normalcy.
With adverse weather expected to persist, authorities have urged people to remain indoors and take necessary precautions.
