Himachal weather update today: 6 national highways among 247 roads blocked amid heavy snowfall, 677 power transformers shut
The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Though the rain and snow amid an orange alert have finally ended the five-month-long dry spell in Himachal Pradesh, the state authorities have been grappling with the aftermath of snow accumulating on roads.
The transportation network in Himachal continues to bear the brunt of the nature’s fury, with six national highways and 241 roads rendered inaccessible due to snow and rain until 10 am on Thursday (February 1, 2024). Lahaul-Spiti has emerged as the worst-hit district, with 139 roads blocked, isolating communities and disrupting essential services.
Other affected districts include Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla, each grappling with their share of road closures and infrastructural challenges. As many as 677 power transformers too have gone non-functional across the state, leading to power outages and increasing the challenges for the people.
As Himachal Pradesh grapples with the aftermath of relentless snowfall and rain, the state faces a daunting challenge of blocked roads and widespread power outages. The ongoing adverse weather conditions have persisted for the third consecutive day.
In the wake of the inclement weather, high-altitude regions have been blanketed with snow, while lower-lying areas have been receiving incessant rain. The picturesque town of Shimla witnessed snowfall commencing around 10.30 am. Khajjiar in Chamba district celebrated its inaugural snowfall of the season, adding to the scenic allure of the region.
However, the beauty of the snow-capped landscape belies the logistical challenges posed by the inclement weather. Pangi, nestled in the tribal hinterlands, finds itself isolated from the rest of the state, severed by heavy snowfall and impassable routes.
Of particular concern is the closure of the Manali-Keylong National Highway via the Atal Tunnel Rohtang, severing Lahaul from Kullu district and precipitating transportation woes for travellers and locals alike. The closure of vital routes has stranded over a dozen government and private buses in snow-laden terrains, exacerbating the challenge of mobility in affected areas.
In response to the escalating crisis, the district administration has declared a holiday for schools in Kullu until February 2, recognising the operational challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions. However, the forecast offers little respite, with the Meteorological Centre in Shimla issuing an orange alert for several central and high hill districts for February 1.
