The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: After several days of snow, the Meteorological department has predicted clear weather for six days from February 6 to 11, offering relief to the residents. The higher and middle reaches in some districts of Himachal Pradesh received snow and rain on Monday as well, reviving the cold weather conditions.
Over the past 24 hours, a notable drop in maximum temperatures was recorded, signalling a departure from seasonal norms. This downturn in temperatures bodes well for farmers and orchardists eager to resume agricultural activities and nurture their crops.
The recent spell of snowfall, particularly in high-altitude areas such as Kufri in Shimla, has transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, with pristine layers of snow blanketing the peaks. However, the picturesque scenes belie the logistical challenges faced by residents and authorities alike, with transportation networks severely disrupted and power infrastructure strained to its limits.
As of Monday morning, four national highways and 645 roads across the state remained closed to traffic, rendering many communities inaccessible and isolated. The breakdown of 1,416 power transformers has compounded the crisis, plunging numerous regions into darkness and exacerbating the sense of disarray and hardship.
Shimla district bore the brunt of the disruption, with 242 roads impassable due to heavy snowfall, while Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur and Chamba districts grapple with their own share of challenges. Life in districts like Kullu and Lahaul has been disrupted for six consecutive days, with relentless snowfall and rain adding to the misery of residents.
In Manali, a chilling incident underscores the dangers lurking amidst the wintry conditions, as a cedar tree collapses near the Van Vihar gate, damaging a nearby shop. Fortunately, the incident occurred during the night, sparing potential loss of life. Efforts are underway to clear the road and mitigate further risks to public safety.