The Newz Radar
The Pangi valley in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh has received heavy snowfall in May, a rare occurrence that has probably been witnessed for the first time ever.
Sural has been covered with one foot of fresh snow, while Killar has received up to four inches of snowfall. Snowfall is expected to continue in the region. Due to the snowfall and rain, the speed of vehicles on various routes has been slowed down. There has also been snowfall on the higher peaks of Lahaul.
While many areas, including Shimla, are experiencing a colder than usual May, tourists were not allowed to travel from Atal Tunnel in Rohtang towards Koksar due to snowfall. However, the Manali-Leh road has been restored up to Darcha. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a yellow alert for rain, hailstorm and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh for Monday.
In Chamba district, heavy rains and a thunderstorm on Saturday night caused extensive damage to property. The roof of a two-storey house in Bhattiyat area was blown off and fell 150 metres away, while the house itself was destroyed. The affected family spent the night in their neighbours’ houses. Additionally, three gaushalas in Gahar panchayat and two in Kaheleta ward were damaged. Traffic came to a standstill due to landslides in Saluni and Pangi.
The snowfall in the Pangi valley has caused disruptions in the transportation and tourism sectors. While snowfall in May is a rare occurrence in Himachal Pradesh, the state is no stranger to extreme weather events that can cause damage to property and infrastructure. Scientists have blamed the changing climate pattern for the rare snow in May.
