Weather Clears, but Challenges Remain
After three days of heavy rain and snowfall, the weather in Himachal Pradesh cleared up on Saturday, but the region continues to face significant difficulties. Several districts, including Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur, are experiencing disruptions in essential services such as roads, power supply, and drinking water systems.
Severe Temperature Drop After Snowfall
The snowfall has led to a significant drop in temperatures, causing intense cold and increased discomfort. Over the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures have fallen notably, with many locations experiencing temperatures 5-15 degrees Celsius below normal.
Impact of Heavy Rain and Snowfall
- A tourist from Punjab has lost their life due to the adverse weather, while two others remain missing, and three individuals have been injured.
- Flash floods and landslides have caused severe damage, leaving 22 vehicles damaged in different areas.
- Five places in Chamba, Lahaul, and Kinnaur experienced ice avalanches, while over 300 roads remain closed across the state.
- The state’s power grid has been severely affected, with hundreds of transformers out of service. Additionally, 450 transport routes of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) were canceled, and 279 drinking water schemes have been halted.
Schools and Exams Affected
In response to the ongoing weather challenges, schools in Kullu, Pangi, Lahaul, and Kinnaur districts were closed for the day. Primary school exams in Central Schools in Jakhoo and Jatog, Shimla, were also postponed on Saturday.
Ongoing Efforts to Restore Infrastructure
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun efforts to restore damaged roads. However, the risk of ice avalanches has increased, especially in Lahaul, which is still cut off from the rest of the country due to the heavy snowfall. In Kullu and Lahaul, over 280 roads remain closed, and more than 500 electricity transformers are still non-functional.
Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall Statistics
In the last 24 hours, the following rainfall and snowfall was recorded:
- Rainfall: Bhunter – 112.2 mm, Jot – 108.8 mm, Jogindernagar – 108.0 mm, Seubag – 106.0 mm, Manali – 82.0 mm, Dharamshala – 85.2 mm, Shimla – 25.6 mm, etc.
- Snowfall: Khadrala – 20 cm, Kothi – 15 cm, Nichar – 5 cm, Jot – 4 cm.
February Sees 15% More Rain Than Usual
February witnessed 15% more rainfall than the average, with 117 mm recorded. This was a significant improvement from earlier in the month when the region had received 40% less rainfall.
Pangi Region Completely Cut Off
Due to heavy snowfall in the Pangi region, the Killar-Manali road has been completely blocked, cutting off the area from the rest of the country. The BRO and the Public Works Department are actively working to clear the snow and restore traffic routes.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The Meteorological Department has forecast mild rain in a few places on March 1 and 2. The weather will remain relatively clear, but the risk of further snowfall and temperature drops remains.
