Himachal on Alert: Avalanche Warning Issued, Roads Blocked, and Schools Shut Amid Heavy Snowfall
The Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has issued an avalanche warning for four districts of Himachal Pradesh—Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Kullu—urging residents and authorities to remain vigilant. The alert highlights a medium-danger level avalanche risk in areas situated above 7,546 feet, prompting officials to implement precautionary measures.
According to experts, the heavy snowfall over the past week has solidified into ice, creating a hazardous layer that increases the likelihood of fresh snow sliding off and triggering avalanches. While residential areas remain largely safe, authorities have advised locals to avoid unnecessary travel. The District Disaster Management Authority has confirmed that all residents have been alerted following DGRE’s warning.
The relentless snowfall over the past 48 hours has severely impacted daily life, with power outages reported in nearly 90 percent of villages in Lahaul-Spiti. In response to the worsening weather, the district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Thursday to ensure student safety.
Meanwhile, road connectivity has been severely disrupted. Traffic on NH-3 between Keylong and Manali through the Atal Tunnel Rohtang remains blocked, while NH-305 via Jalori Pass is also inaccessible. The closure of the Atal Tunnel Rohtang has left Lahaul cut off from Manali, further complicating the situation.
Authorities are closely monitoring the weather and working on restoring essential services. Residents have been urged to remain indoors, stay updated on official advisories, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme weather event.
