Severe Weather Conditions Disrupt Transportation, Services, and Safety Across Multiple Districts

Mandi: A tragic incident occurred in Balichowki, Mandi, where a young man lost his life after slipping on snow while gathering firewood near his home. The victim fell into a deep ditch due to the hazardous conditions caused by recent heavy snowfall in the region. This unfortunate event highlights the dangers of the harsh weather that has affected Himachal Pradesh in recent days.

Heavy snowfall has swept across several districts of Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread disruptions. Areas such as Kufri, Narkanda, and Dalhousie were hit by fresh snow on Friday, leading to blocked roads and interruptions in essential services. Upper Shimla is completely cut off from the rest of the capital due to road blockages. In regions like Narkanda, Kharapathar, and Khidki Pass, snowfall has reached nearly half a foot, further complicating travel and daily activities. The Atal Tunnel Rohtang is also closed, leaving over 1,500 vehicles stranded between Solanganala and Palchan, where rescue operations are actively underway.

The snowstorm has not only led to transportation issues but also caused widespread power outages across the state. With 65 transformers out of service and 18 water supply schemes affected, many areas are grappling with a lack of basic services. As temperatures plunge to below zero in numerous regions, the cold has intensified the challenges faced by locals and tourists alike.

The weather department had issued prior warnings of heavy snowfall and rainfall, which came to fruition on Friday, with snow blanketing higher-altitude areas such as Rohtang Pass, Jalori Pass, and the Dhauladhar hills in Dharamshala. Meanwhile, lower regions, including Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Una, experienced heavy rainfall.

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In light of the severe weather conditions, authorities have urged tourists to exercise caution while traveling to high-altitude areas. Efforts are underway to restore road access through alternate routes like Basantpur, though many roads in Kinnaur remain closed. Snow accumulation continues to pose a significant risk to vehicles, with frequent reports of accidents caused by slipping on the icy roads.