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Himachal Pradesh is experiencing severe weather conditions with heavy snowfall and rain affecting several districts. The weather department has issued alerts, warning people about possible disruptions. Many roads are blocked, and efforts are being made to clear the snow and restore essential services.
The weather department has placed Chamba, Kangra, and Lahaul Spiti districts on an orange alert due to the risk of heavy snowfall and rain. A yellow alert has been issued for Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Una, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts. These areas are expected to receive varied levels of snowfall and rainfall, with possible thunderstorms and lightning in some regions.
Heavy Snowfall and Rain Disrupt Travel
Kullu and Mandi districts are likely to experience light to heavy snowfall, while Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Una, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur will see heavy rain. Due to these weather conditions, many roads have been blocked, especially in Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba districts.
In Lahaul Spiti, snow clearance operations have started, but many areas remain without electricity for the third day. The situation in Kullu has improved slightly, as the highway to Manali was reopened on Saturday, and the entrance to the Atal Tunnel was cleared by Sunday.
Road Blockages Across the Region
Several highways and roads in Himachal Pradesh have been affected by snowfall and landslides. The Shimla-Kinnaur highway is blocked at multiple points. Roads from Karcham to Chitkul, Wangtoo to Kafnoo, and Bhabhanagar to Nichar remained impassable on Sunday. The Bharmour to Kharamukh road in Chamba and most roads in the Pangi sub-division are also blocked, causing major travel disruptions.
Avalanches and Landslides Add to Challenges
A massive avalanche near Gue village in the Spiti Valley almost hit an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp on Sunday, stopping just 200 meters away. Another avalanche near Jahlma village in Lahaul blocked the Chenab river on Saturday, creating further risks.
In another incident, a landslide on the Chandigarh-Manali highway near Pandoh in Mandi district hit a car carrying tourists. The four tourists, who were returning from Manali, suffered minor injuries. Other motorists helped them immediately. The landslide also caused a traffic jam, but efforts to clear the debris started quickly. A similar landslide had occurred at the same spot on Friday.
Emergency Evacuations Amid Harsh Conditions
Amid the severe weather, a critically injured patient from the snowbound Pangi area in Chamba district was airlifted to Manali for urgent medical treatment on Sunday. Sant Ram, a 40-year-old from Dhanala village, suffered severe injuries after a fall. The local community carried him on a makeshift stretcher to a helipad near Sach Pass, where a helicopter transported him to safety.
Himachal Pradesh continues to face major challenges due to snowfall and rain. Authorities are working to clear roads, restore electricity, and ensure people's safety. With more bad weather expected, residents and travelers are advised to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
