New Delhi, March 1: Heavy rains and snowfall battered Himachal Pradesh and other parts of North India on Saturday, leading to landslides, roadblocks, and significant disruptions in daily life. The inclement weather also triggered avalanches in Uttarakhand, affecting rescue operations for trapped workers.
Avalanche in Uttarakhand Leaves Four Dead, Five Still Missing
In Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, 50 workers trapped in an avalanche were rescued, but four succumbed to their injuries, while efforts continued to locate the remaining five. The avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp between Mana and Badrinath early Friday morning, burying 55 laborers. By Friday night, 33 individuals had been rescued, with operations resuming Saturday morning as the weather improved.The Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel stationed in Mana spearheaded the search efforts, aided by six helicopters from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and a civil helicopter.
Landslides, Roadblocks in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains and snowfall led to landslides and road closures across several regions. In Kullu, debris carried by gushing waters damaged multiple vehicles, while a massive landslide in Rokaru, Kangra district, endangered 12 houses. Authorities relocated affected families to safer locations, and restoration work is underway.A person was reported missing near the Shiva Hydropower project in Palampur, prompting search operations. In Chamba’s Pangi valley, heavy snowfall cut off the region and disrupted electricity and telecommunication services.
The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway was blocked due to a landslide at Tohlu Nullah, leaving many tourists stranded. Similarly, the Kullu-Manali Road was shut, with traffic being rerouted via Naggar. Power outages persisted in Manikaran and Manali, with work ongoing to restore 1,646 transformers.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Reopened for Light Vehicles
The 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, shut since Thursday evening due to heavy snowfall and multiple landslides in Ramban district, was reopened for light motor vehicles on Saturday. Restoration work was expedited after an improvement in weather conditions.However, landslides and shooting stones continued to pose challenges along a 66-km stretch between Banihal and Nashri, affecting major points such as Kishtwari Pather, Hingni, Panthiyal, and Mehar. Near Mehar, a section of the road caved in, while one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel remained blocked due to a landslide. Authorities reported that at least 16 vulnerable points along the route required immediate attention.
Rains Continue in Delhi, Rajasthan
The national capital witnessed light rain on Saturday morning, with the minimum temperature recorded at 16.6°C, exceeding the seasonal average by 4.1 degrees. Delhi received 2 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with varying measurements at different weather stations, including 1.8 mm at Safdarjung, 1 mm at Palam, and 4 mm at Pitampura.Parts of Rajasthan also experienced moderate rainfall, with Churu recording the highest at 28 mm, followed by 18 mm in Chirawa (Jhunjhunu).
As North India continues to grapple with extreme weather, authorities remain on high alert, prioritizing rescue efforts, road clearance, and restoration of essential services.
