Shimla, Feb 28 – Continuous heavy snowfall and torrential rains for the third consecutive day have thrown life out of gear in Himachal Pradesh, leading to landslides, road closures, and disruptions in essential services across multiple districts.
Authorities reported that approximately 200 roads, including three national highways, have been shut due to heavy snow, isolating various parts of Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla districts. Educational institutions, including colleges, have been closed in Chamba and Manali, though CBSE board examinations will proceed as scheduled.
Avalanche Warning and Road Closures
With the risk of avalanches looming over tribal areas and higher altitudes above 2,300 meters, residents have been advised to restrict outdoor movement and take precautions. While the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-5) at Narkanda has been reopened, several other key routes remain inaccessible. These include:- Deha-Chopal Road
- Dodra-Kwar Route
- Theog-Hatkoti Highway at Kharapathar (8,770 ft altitude)
Flooded Homes and Power Disruptions
Several houses in Kullu have been inundated as the swelling Gandhi Nagar Nallah overflowed, damaging numerous parked vehicles. Power supply has been affected across the district, with restoration efforts underway, except for the Manikaran and Manali regions.The Kullu-Manali left bank road, Jalori Pass road, and all routes beyond Nehru Kund remain closed. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul Ravish has urged people to stay away from riverbanks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
Landslides and Highway Disruptions
A landslide at Banala has disrupted traffic on the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway, with restoration efforts hampered by falling rocks. Several roads within tribal valleys remain closed due to snowfall and ongoing heavy rains.Snowfall and Rainfall Records
As of 8:30 AM, some of the highest snowfall recorded includes:- Kothi – 120 cm
- Khadrala – 115 cm
- Keylong – 75 cm
- Kalpa – 46 cm
- Kukumseri – 38.8 cm
- Sangla – 23.5 cm
- Nichar & Moorang – 15 cm each
Government Response and Weather Forecast
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi acknowledged that while snowfall and rain are beneficial for agriculture, the increased risk of avalanches has prompted officials to urge people to remain indoors. He stated that 218 roads remain blocked, along with disruptions to 70 water and irrigation schemes.The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the coming days, with isolated heavy showers.
Despite the chaos, the snowfall has brought cheer to the tourism industry, while farmers are relieved as the precipitation has reduced the season’s rainfall deficit to 30%. Himachal Pradesh has recorded 130.4 mm of rain from January 1 to February 28, compared to the normal 187.1 mm. Kullu has reported excess rainfall (26%), while deficits in Mandi (13%), Shimla (16%), and Kangra (26%) have also improved.
With restoration efforts ongoing, residents and tourists are advised to remain cautious until weather conditions stabilize.
