Three days of rain and snow disrupt normal life in Himachal

Most places of Himachal Pradesh witnessed rain windstorms and snowfall in the last three days disrupting power supply, shutting down many roads and three people dying in inclement weather. Himachal Pradesh witnessed a continuous spell of snowfall on high reaches shutting down more than 200 roads in the tribal district.

According to the report, there was major snowfall in many parts of Lahaul Spiti, including the Atal Tunnel Rohtang. The road from the South Portal to the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, as well as the roads from the North Portal to Darcha, to Sarchu, and to the Shinkula Pass, are all closed due to 5 inches of snow.

In Lahaul Spiti district Keylong and Udaipur registered 7.6  cm of snow all roads linking to district headquarters are closed. Kaza has ten(roads open) Udaipur is also cut off from road communication. Sissu had 18 cm of snow, the North Portal of ATR 25 cm, and the South Portal 1.8 feet of snow, and roads were closed. It is always best to check with the Lahaul & Spiti Police for the latest road conditions before traveling. The gondola had 21.8 cm snowfall, Kukumsheri 11.5 and Kalpa 5.5 cm. 

The power supply in Shimla and nearby stations was disrupted by windstorms this morning and in the afternoon. However, it was restored. The town had three mm of rain Manali five mm and Bharmour four mm. Light to moderate rain also occurred in most parts of Himachal Pradesh.

The minimum temperature of  Narkanda in Shimla district was 4.7 degrees, Kufri eight, Manali six, Dalhousie 6.4, Shimla 10.6, Airport Bhuntar nine, Jubberhati 12.5, Dharmshala 10, Solan 11.7, Kangra 13.5m Mandi 12.4, Chamba and Hamirpur 12 degree each, Bilaspur 15, Una 13 and Nahan in Sirmaur 18 degrees.

According to State Disaster Management three people including a woman and children died of electrocution and one died of rain-related mishap in the state on Saturday. Currently, 275 roads are snowbound in the state including four National Highway. 259 roads and two national highways are snowbound in the Lahaul Spiti district four in Mandi and three in Kullu district. Power supply was affected in 475 power lines in the state mostly due to windstorms. The branches of the trees and rooftops were blown away by the windstorm in the state during the last 24 hrs.

The Met Office also forecasted other western disturbances likely to affect the state from   April 2 and 3 onwards.