Avalanche Alert Issued in Himachal Pradesh Amid Severe Weather Conditions

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, prompting authorities to issue avalanche advisories in several districts. The Lahaul and Spiti police have urged residents and tourists to exercise caution, especially near riverbanks and steep slopes, due to heightened avalanche risks.

This advisory comes in the wake of recent avalanches that have disrupted daily life and infrastructure in the region.

In a recent incident, an avalanche near Jasrat village obstructed the flow of the Chenab River, leading to concerns about potential flooding. Residents of nearby villages, including Jobrang, Rapi, Jasrath, Tarand, and Tharot, have been advised to remain vigilant and report any emergencies to local authorities.

Additionally, another avalanche near the Tandi bridge resulted in the burial of several shops, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

The adverse weather has led to the closure of over 500 roads across the state, including key national highways. Lahaul and Spiti district alone reported approximately 300 blocked roads, affecting connectivity and access to essential services.

The Atal Tunnel to Darcha, Darcha to Sarchu, and Gramphu to Lossar routes are among the major roads currently inaccessible.

The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has reported significant snowfall in various regions, with areas like Keylong receiving up to 2 feet of snow and Kaza up to 2.5 feet. Mid and low hills have experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.

The state recorded an overall rainfall of 42.2 mm, which is 955% higher than the normal 4 mm for this period.

Power outages have compounded the difficulties, with over 2,500 distribution transformer regions disrupted. Districts like Sirmaur, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti are among the most affected, leaving many households without electricity.

In response to these conditions, the local administration has issued an orange alert for severe cold in districts such as Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid travel if possible, and remain updated on weather forecasts.

The Meteorological Department has also predicted light rain and snowfall in mid and higher hills in the coming days, indicating that the severe weather may persist.

Authorities have provided emergency contact numbers—9459461355 and 8988092298—for road-related emergencies and assistance. Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution during this period of heightened weather-related risks.

Sunil Chadda