Orange and Yellow Alerts: Heavy Rain, Snowfall Forecast Again in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, March 1 — Himachal Pradesh continued facing adverse weather conditions over the past few days, with rain and snowfall persisting in most parts of the state. Shimla, the capital, reported light rains while intermittent snowfall occurred in the region’s upper reaches on Friday. Meteorological Department has warned that the bad weather may become even worse in the coming days, the weather system may start to bring heavy rain and snow from March 3. Chamba, Kangra and Lahaul-Spiti issued an orange alert, predicting heavy snowfall. Mandi and Kullu received a yellow alert, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall.
The weather turmoil is going to continue as rain and snowfall are expected in most areas of the state on March 2 and 4. Things should start to improve then, with clearer skies in the forecast from March 5 to 7. As the state grapples with the aftermath of this week’s storms, which have caused mayhem across daily life and essential services, forecasts called for a calmer day ahead.
Widespread Disruptions After Heavy Snow
Himachal Pradesh has been reeling under heavy snowfall for the last few days with many places cut off and paralysed. Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu and Kinnaur are the worst hit regions where over 300 roads have been blocked due to heavy snowfall and multiple landslides. Huge amounts of snow have also caused a widespread power outage, with more than 100 transformers rendered inoperative, and many areas without electricity. Many drinking water schemes have been hampered sending water supplies in remote townships dry.
While Lahaul-Spiti has witnessed heavy snowfall in its upper reaches, restoring access in this remote hilly terrain is challenging. Local reports said the region had witnessed power cuts for more than 48 hours and many villages have plunged into darkness. Authorities have also cautioned of heightened avalanche risk, which has already been an issue in recent days. Consequently, the district administration had closed all the educational institutions in the area as a precautionary measure. People were advised to stay where they are and not travel there if unneeded.
Severe Cold And Infrastructure Damage In Chamba
Chamba, another weather-hit district, is reeling under incessant rain for the past three days and heavy snowfall in the upper reaches. The sun peeked through pale clouds on Saturday, providing some relief, but abnormally low temperatures kept the severe cold conditions in place. Pangi, a tribal region of Chamba district, has already received a snow blanket of almost 4 feet, while Bharmour and other high-altitude areas also registered heavy snowfall.
Severe weather condition also damaged the infrastructure of the district and the over 165 roads are closed including the Chamba-Bharmour National Highway, Chamba-Pathankot via Jot and other important road. The damage to the roads is affecting the availability of services to locals and the movement of goods across the region. Besides, 513 transformers have been shut down, leading to major power cuts while 116 drinking water schemes in the district have been disrupted.
Landslides and Damage to Property in Kullu
Kullu has been grappling with considerable weather-induced problems, especially due to landslides following the heavy rain in the area. Residents of the area were left in a panic after landslides took place in at least two locations near the drain in Gandhi Nagar on Friday evening. Dozens of homes were damaged and hundreds of families were evacuated as the threat of further landslides loomed. Those families have been relocated to safer areas, but with the rain continuing, the risk remains severe, authorities say.
The midweek rain also led to rising water levels in local streams and rivers, raising the possibility of flash flooding in the region. Residents have been warned by the local administration to be vigilant and avoid travelling in affected areas.
Other Districts Weather Conditions
In Himachal Pradesh, the weather in other districts is also adverse. A few areas enjoyed fine Saturday weather with clear skies and sunshine, but the region is suffering from the effects of days of snow and rain that have left it cold and damp. In Kinnaur, the temperature has also been below freezing with Khadrala receiving 20 cm and Kothi 15 cm of snow. At these places different rain systems have respectively dropped 5 cm and 4 cm of snow, leading to travel difficulties in places like Jot and Nichar.
Earlier in the day, the Meteorological Department had reported that the level of rainfall was different across the state. At Bhuntar, it was 112 mm rain, followed closely by Jot and Jogindernagar (108 mm). Mandi, Kullu, and other regions also recorded torrential rain, suggesting the storm has affected a large area, Balhee, Seobagh, Banjar and Dharamshala received heavy rainfall levels.
Statewide Temperature Decreases
Himachal Pradesh also has undergone a major dip in temperature. Over the last 24 hours, the minimum temperature in the state has decreased by 1.2 degrees Celsius. Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti shivered at a minimum of -6.9 degrees Celsius, while Shimla registered a relatively much warmer 3.6 degrees Celsius. Manali recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius, followed by 1.5 degrees Celsius in Seobagh. Those dips in temperature have translated into more cold, especially in the high plains, where snow and cold has been a regular part of life as new storms come knocking.
Next Steps: Monitoring and Preparation
As warnings of continued adverse weather have been made, the state government and local administration said they are discussing measures to reduce the impact. Clearing of the roads is underway, though deep snow and landslides continue to hinder the process. Rescuers are overrun as restoring power, running water and connectivity takes precedence.
“The local people are advised to remain in homes for orange and yellow alert period, particularly for sensitive places like Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Chamba,” the authorities are reported to have said. The movement of travelers and tourists have also been discouraged, especially in snow-hit areas where avalanche risk continues to be at a high level.
Local officials have also been instructed to monitor areas that are susceptible to landslides, and resources have also been put aside to support rescue operations in case of further destruction of property or injury. Flash floods, landslides and avalanches remain a worry, and residents are urged to stay alert.
A State on High Alert
“More extreme weather conditions are likely to prevail in the coming days and the alert issued by the Meteorological Department in the orange and yellow signify gravity of the situation,” a senior state government officer said. Heavy rain, heavy snowfall and a significant drop in temperature, residents of the state is facing one of the worst kinds of weather conditions in recent times. Local authorities are also doing everything they can to deal with the disruptions, but the overall impact on daily life, infrastructure and services is considerable.
However, things will be also crucial in the coming days in the way the state government if response efforts because the region could be what we could do these conditions. As of now, Himachal Pradesh is dealing with its difficult and unpredictable winter, and all eyes are on the weather.
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