Fresh snowfall has begun again in Himachal Pradesh, disrupting normal life across the hill state. Heavy snowfall and rain started from Tuesday morning, prompting the weather department to issue an ‘orange alert’ for several districts. Due to ice formation, more than 1,250 important roads across the state have been closed, and restoration work has begun with wartime urgency.
According to weather department sources, temperatures across Himachal have dropped below freezing due to the snowfall. In Tabo, the temperature has plunged to minus 8 degrees Celsius, while Kukumseri is hovering around minus 2 degrees Celsius. Bone-chilling cold is also being felt in Shimla and Manali, where temperatures are ranging between 0 and 6 degrees Celsius.
Tourists stranded, rescue operations underway
Even amid this difficult situation in the hills, tourist inflow has not reduced. Visitors are continuing to arrive in large numbers at destinations such as Shimla, Manali, and Kullu. However, many tourists have been stranded on roads due to heavy snowfall, prompting the police and local administration to initiate rescue operations.
On Tuesday morning, two tourists were trapped in heavy snowfall near the snow gallery of the Atal Tunnel. The administration acted swiftly and rescued them, bringing them safely to Manali.
Multiple power transformers have been damaged due to the snowfall, causing severe hardship for local residents. In view of the situation, the administration has temporarily ordered all schools across the state to remain closed.
Alerts issued, transport and services affected
An ‘orange alert’ for snowfall has been issued in Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Meanwhile, a ‘yellow alert’ has been issued for strong winds and rain in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kangra districts.
The weather department has forecast that snowfall may intensify further, with moderate to heavy rain and snowfall likely in most parts of Himachal Pradesh. In view of the worsening conditions, tourists and local residents have been advised not to venture out unless absolutely necessary and to strictly follow traffic guidelines to avoid accidents on icy and slippery mountain roads.
The Himachal administration has instructed all emergency departments to remain on alert. Efforts are being made with wartime urgency to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, healthcare, and emergency services.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has remained closed since Monday due to snowfall, causing inconvenience to people in the Kashmir Valley. Although snow-clearing work is ongoing, continuous snowfall is hampering operations. Adverse weather conditions have also affected air travel, with at least 11 flights cancelled at Srinagar airport on Tuesday.
