Rashil village of Pattan valley hit by an avalanche

Reports arriving here, that an avalanche has hit near Rashil village of Pattan valley in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh on Friday afternoon. The massive avalanche triggered from the top of Pir Panjal mountain range, stated information from from Keylong, district headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti district. Adding that it fell in backyard of Rashil village however no loss of life or property was reported so far.

The impact and range of avalanche was so massive that it left the villagers in deep panic.

A major portion of a large iceberg got absorbed in the Rashil drain, but the snow ball that rose came down several kilometres away from the surrounding villages.  Former head of Jobarang panchayat Somdev Yoki said that there was no loss of life or property due to the incident.

It was beginning of winter snowfall in the Lahaul Spiti and the phenomenon of triggering avalanches has started in the mountain.  In view of the inclement weather, the district administration has sounded advisory to citizens, that they should not venture in avalanche prone areas of the district. Normally avalanche threat looms large during clear weather and its intensity may increase with sunshine.

The gateway of Lahaul-Spiti district 13050 ft Rohtang pass recorded 60 cm (two ft) snowfall, Rohtang Tunnel and Malana 30 cm(one ft) Darcha and Sarchu 7 cm and Gondla 4 cm, however Keylong got only traces of snow.

Minimum temperature of Keylong was minus 6.3 degree Celsius today and three degrees above normal. The early avalanche in Himachal Pradesh also indicate changing climatic conditions.

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