583 roads, including five national highways, closed due to rain and snowfall in Himachal
Rain and snowfall wreaks havoc in Himachal
Shimla, 01 March: The heavy rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has darastically affected Human life. Roads have been disrupted due to snowfall and heavy rains in several districts of the state, power supply is disrupted and water sources have also been affected. Many areas are also facing the situation getting worse due to landslides and avalanches. The administration has warned people to be cautious and to avoid unnecessary travel.
As of late Friday evening, 5 national highways and 583 roads were blocked in the state. Heavy snowfall and rain in Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi and Una districts have brought the transport system to a halt. Roads blocked in Lahaul-Spiti (165), Chamba (125), Kullu (112), Kinnaur (76), Shimla (40), Sirmaur (30), Mandi (27) and Una (6). Due to heavy snowfall, two national highways each in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu and one in Mandi have also been closed, due to which these areas have been cut off from other parts.
2283 transformers shutdowns, disrupted power supply
Due to heavy snowfall and heavy rains, 2283 power transformers have stopped working in the state, due to which many districts have electricity and darkness has spread. The most affected is Kullu district where 975 transformers have been damaged. As many as 396 transformers have stopped working in Kinnaur, 189 in Chamba, 571 in Mandi, 55 in Lahaul-Spiti, 42 in Shimla and 35 Solan, resulting in a complete halt to power supply.
Water problem deepens
Water supply has also been affected due to heavy rain and snowfall. 279 drinking water schemes in the state have been stalled. The affected water schemes include 125 in Kullu, 116 in Chamba, 25 in Shimla and 13 in Kinnaur causing shortage of water to people.
Schools and colleges shut, board exams to go ahead
In the tribal regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts, the administration has ordered that all educational institutions remain shut till March 1. However board examination will be held as per schedule.
Glacial and Landslide Events, People Should Be Wary
The state has also reported incidents of landslides and sliding of glaciers. A glacier has fallen in Manda area in Bharmour of Chamba district, creating obstacles on the vehicular movement. Heavy snowfall in Pangi valley has resulted in snow from three to three and a half feet.
The Newli-Sainj road in Kullu district’s Sainj valley has been blocked by a landslide, inconveniencing locals. In Pahanala area of Kullu, several vehicles were buried under debris due to cloudburst. A landslide had also struck near the Kullu bus stand, damaging some vehicles, but no major loss of life. The road at Rangdi of Manali-Chandigarh National Highway-3 has becomepond in view of one part of it submerged in water. It is creating trouble for drivers and locals.
In Pangi Three people got stick to glacier
In Kokrolu village of Pangi area of Chamba district, 3 people were washed away due to the sliding of the glacier. Two of those people apparently saved their own lives, and the third is seriously injured. One house has also been damaged in the incident. However, all the people are safe, the local administration said.
Impact on tourism, much of the country cut off
Popular tourist destinations including Manali witnessed heavy snowfall. Tourists movements were affected, at least about one feet of snow has fallen in Manali. The high altitude tribal areas of the state, including Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi, Bharmour and Dodra Kwar have been also cut off from the state and rest of the country. There has been a rise in the water level of rivers and streams due to heavy rains, increasing the risk of floods. The administration has been instructing people not to approach rivers and streams and to take precautions.
Administration officials have urged the public to exercise caution, avoiding nonessential travel. Residents in sensitive regions have been advised to take special care. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of decrease of rain and snowfall in the next 24 hours, so relief is being hoped.
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