Heavy snowfall coupled with incessant rains over the past three days have triggered landslides and led to the blockage of key roads and national highways across Himachal Pradesh on Friday, severely affecting daily life and transportation.
Around 200 roads throughout the state have become inaccessible due to the extreme weather conditions, leaving several regions isolated, particularly in Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla districts, according to officials.
Educational institutions, including colleges, have been shut down temporarily in the Chamba and Manali areas as a precautionary measure. However, CBSE Board examinations will continue as per schedule, confirmed authorities.
Avalanche Threat Looms in Tribal and Higher Altitudes
The administration has issued warnings of potential avalanches in tribal regions and other higher altitudes above 2,300 meters. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor movements and take necessary safety measures to avoid any mishaps.Major Highways Severely Impacted
Key routes, including National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road), were closed due to heavy snowfall at Narkanda. Similarly, roads like Deha-Chopal and the routes leading to the Dodra-Kwar region have also been severely affected. Additionally, the crucial Theog-Hatkoti highway at Kharapathar village (altitude 8,770 feet) remains blocked.In Kullu, torrential rains led to flooding in Akhara Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar areas, with overflowing water damaging vehicles parked along the roadside. The administration restricted traffic movement beyond Nehru Kund due to fresh snowfall at prominent locations, including Solang Nallah, Gulaba, Atal Tunnel, and Rohtang.
A landslide at Banala has disrupted traffic flow on the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway, where restoration operations have yet to begin due to ongoing falling debris, police reported.
Significant Snowfall Recorded Across the State
According to the latest weather data, Kothi experienced the highest snowfall in the state, recording 120 cm by Friday morning. It was followed closely by Khadrala (115 cm), Keylong (75 cm), Kalpa (46 cm), Kukumseri (38.8 cm), Sangla (23.5 cm), and Nichar and Moorang (15 cm each).Heavy rainfall further intensified problems in lower and mid-hill areas. Seobagh and Bhuntar recorded the heaviest rainfall at 113.2 mm each. Banjar received 112.4 mm, Jogindernagar 112 mm, Salooni 109.3 mm, Palampur 99 mm, and Chamba 97 mm. Baijnath (75 mm), Kangra (74 mm), Rohroo (70 mm), Kufri (59 mm), and Shimla (54.5 mm) also reported substantial precipitation.
Meteorological Department Issues Orange Alert
The regional Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert, predicting heavy snowfall at isolated locations in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and the higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts. Meanwhile, lower regions, including parts of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra, may experience light to moderate rainfall with occasional heavy spells in isolated areas.Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest weather information and follow precautionary guidelines issued by authorities to ensure safety amid the ongoing severe weather conditions.
