Heavy snowfall and rain trigger landslides

Himachal Pradesh is reeling under severe weather conditions as heavy snowfall and rain have triggered landslides, blocking key roads and national highways across several districts. The harsh weather has disrupted daily life, isolating regions including Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla, with approximately 200 roads closed.

In response to the severe conditions, all educational institutions, including colleges, have been shut down in Chamba and Manali, though CBSE Board examinations will continue as planned. Authorities have issued avalanche warnings for tribal areas and higher altitudes above 2,300 meters, urging residents to stay indoors and take safety precautions.

Major roadblocks include National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) at Narkanda and the Deha-Chopal and Dodra-Kwar routes. The Theog-Hatkoti Highway at Kharapathar village (8,770 ft) is also closed. In Kullu, heavy rain flooded Akhara Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar, damaging parked vehicles. Vehicular movement has been restricted beyond Nehru Kund due to fresh snowfall at Solang Nallah, Gulaba, Atal Tunnel, and Rohtang.

A landslide at Banala has disrupted traffic on the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway, with restoration work delayed due to falling rocks. Roads within tribal valleys remain blocked by snow and heavy rain.

Significant snowfall was recorded, with Kothi receiving the highest at 120 cm, followed by Khadrala (115 cm), Keylong (75 cm), Kalpa (46 cm), Kukumseri (38.8 cm), Sangla (23.5 cm), and Nichar and Moorang (15 cm each).

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall impacted lower and mid-hill regions. Seobagh and Bhuntar recorded the highest rainfall at 113.2 mm, followed by Banjar (112.4 mm), Jogindernagar (112 mm), Salooni (109.3 mm), and several other locations.

The sky remained overcast, prompting the meteorological department to issue an orange warning for heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and the higher altitudes of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts. The weather forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall, with the possibility of heavy rain in isolated areas of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra. Residents are advised to stay alert and be prepared for changing weather conditions.