Himachal weather update: 4 national highways among 134 roads closed after snowfall, 395 power transformers rendered inoperable
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The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: The snow and rain in several parts of Himachal Pradesh has thrown normal life out of gear, with numerous roads blocked and power outages affecting various regions. As the snow blankets the higher reaches, the authorities are grappling with the challenges posed by the winter weather.
An many as 134 roads, including four national highways, have been blocked due to heavy snow. Lahaul-Spiti district bears the brunt of road closures, with 120 roads shut, severely affecting transportation in the area. Among the closed national highways are NH-505 from Gramphu to Losar, National Highway No. 3 near Rohtang and the Aut-Luhri National Highway near Jalori Jot. Additionally, traffic on NH-5 has been disrupted following a rockslide near Nathpa.
The aftermath of the snowfall has also resulted in power disruptions, particularly in remote areas. As many as 395 power transformers have ceased operations, leaving residents without power. Restoration efforts are underway, with electricity workers striving to address the widespread outages, especially in Chamba, Mandi and Kullu districts.
According to the Meteorological Department, several regions have recorded substantial snowfall. Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti received 14.2 cm of snow while Khadrala in Shimla recorded 14 cm. Bharmour registered 8.6 cm, Sangla 5 cm, Koksar 2.5 cm and Shilaru in Shimla district received 5 cm, respectively. The snowfall was also experienced in Kotkhai, Khadapathar, Narkanda and Kufri.
Low-lying areas experienced light rainfall. Saloni in Chamba recorded 25 mm of rain, while Manali received 12 mm. Other areas such as Pandoh, Sarahan, Rampur, Dalhousie, Bhuntar and Seobagh also reported varying amounts of rainfall and snow. Furthermore, Shimla, Dharamshala, Kangra, Bilaspur and Hamirpur witnessed some rain.
The temperatures too plummeted with Shimla recording a night temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius, a decrease of 1.8 degrees. Other areas also experienced frigid temperatures, with Dharamshala at 5.4 degrees, Una at 9.7 degrees, Manali at 1.4 degrees, Dalhousie at 1 degrees, Kukumseri at -2.8 degrees, Narkanda at -1.3 degrees and Samdho at 0.7 degrees Celsius.
