TNR Desk
Fresh snowfall was received in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours, throwing normal life out of gear in certain parts and reviving the cold wave in the region.
The Atal Tunnel Rohtang that connects Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts witnessed more than one foot snow at its north and south portals, leading to the closure of the Manali-Keylong road for vehicles.
In the wake of fresh snow, the Manali police have prohibited vehicles from proceeding beyond Solang Nullah. The Aut-Luhri-Sainj national highway has also been blocked. There has been snowfall on various peaks, including Shikari Devi in Mandi district.
Following the snowfall and rain, 172 roads, including four national highways, are closed in the state. Furthermore, 662 transformers have malfunctioned, resulting in power outages. The total loss incurred in March amounts to Rs 78.08 crore.
Over the past 24 hours, Gondla, Keylong and Kalpa in Lahaul-Spiti district received 21.8, 7.5 and 5.5 mm of snow. The middle and lower parts of the state were lashed by rain.
Kullu district received record rainfall in March, the highest in 17 years, with Bhuntar getting 47 mm. Over the past 24 hours, Bharmaur received 37.5 mm of rain, Seobagh 32.4, Bajaura (AWS) 29, Banjar 28, Bhunter 28, Jot 26, Jogindenagar 20.6, Reckong Peo 21 and Una 20 mm. A thunderstorm was experienced in Shimla, Bhunter, Kalpa, Kangra, Sundernagar and Jubberhatti and a hailstorm in Shimla, Solan and Sundernagar.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert of thunderstorm and lightning in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu on March 31. Another western disturbance is likely to affect the state from April 3 to 5. The meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorm and lightening for the three days with a possibility of rain at isolated places and snow on the peaks.
