Himachal weather: Orange alert for snow in 3 districts today, rain forecast for other parts

DHARAMSHALA: After two days of clear weather, heavy snowfall and rain have once again disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh.

On Monday (March 3, 2025) morning, Rohtang and other high-altitude regions experienced intermittent snowfall under an orange alert. Several other areas, including capital Shimla, recorded continuous rain.

The Himachal Pradesh School Education Board has postponed Class X and XII examinations scheduled for March 4 in Udaipur, Keylong and Pangi due to the non-arrival of question papers in these snow-covered regions.

Over 200 roads remain blocked across the state, while approximately 800 power transformers are still non-functional in Kullu and Lahaul, causing power outages in multiple areas.

Avalanches, roadblocks worsen situation

Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu districts continue to struggle with the aftermath of severe weather. On Sunday, four avalanches were reported in Lahaul, one of which reached Chandrabhaga river near Keylong, temporarily blocking the water flow.

A small bridge was swept away by the strong current. Another avalanche struck near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel, damaging two food vans and a roadside eatery. In Gyu, an avalanche narrowly missed an ITBP camp, halting just 200 metres away.

As a result of the heavy snowfall, several roads in Lahaul remain impassable and the district has been without electricity and mobile network services for four days. The administration has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to the high risk of further avalanches.

Medical emergencies, rescues amid harsh weather

The extreme weather conditions have also led to multiple emergencies. A group of five trainee doctors from Jaipur Medical College, who went trekking in Spiti, have lost contact with their families for the past three days.

The district administration has deployed rescue teams in coordination with local authorities to trace them.
In a separate incident, a seriously ill woman from Bada Bhangal in Kangra district was airlifted to Mandi after being stranded for several days due to adverse weather. She has been referred to Tanda Medical College for further treatment.

Meanwhile, the recruitment process for police constables in Dharamshala had to be temporarily halted due to heavy rain and strong winds.

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall and rainfall in Chamba, Kangra, and Lahaul-Spiti while Kullu and Mandi are under a yellow alert. Weather conditions are expected to improve from March 5 onward, bringing relief to the affected regions.

Sunil Chadda