Heavy snowfall brings life to a standstill in Himachal Pradesh; hundreds of roads closed, power supply hit
While dry weather is expected in most parts of the state, the weather office has warned that heavy snowfall is likely to continue in higher reaches
PTC Web Desk: Severe snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours has severely disrupted normal life, leaving hundreds of roads closed and electricity supply affected at several locations. The harsh weather conditions have also triggered an intense cold wave across the state.
According to the Meteorological Department, the highest snowfall was recorded at Kothi near Manali, where 105 cm of snow accumulated in the last 24 hours. Other areas witnessed substantial snowfall, including Gondla in Lahaul-Spiti (85 cm), Keylong (75 cm), Khadrala (68.6 cm), Kufri (66 cm), Manali (45.8 cm), Shilaroo (45 cm), Kukumsheri (41.4 cm) and Jot (32 cm). Moderate snowfall was also reported from Hansa (30 cm), Sangla (27.5 cm), Shimla (27 cm), Bharmour (26 cm), Kalpa (16.4 cm) and Sarahan (11.5 cm).
In addition to snowfall, several parts of the state received heavy rainfall. Dharampur in Mandi district recorded 91.4 mm of rain, followed by Solan (68.6 mm), Kandaghat (67 mm), Una (54.2 mm), Palampur and Nagrota Surian (53.2 mm each) and Nahan (51.9 mm).
The widespread snowfall led to a sharp drop in temperatures. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of -0.5°C, while Manali stood at -0.4°C. Kalpa registered -3.8°C, Kufri -2.5°C, Narkanda -4.2°C, and Tabo -6.5°C. Kukumseri emerged as the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of -7.2°C.
Other minimum temperatures recorded include Dharamshala (5.2°C), Kangra (1.7°C), Mandi (4.3°C), Solan (1.8°C), Bilaspur (4.5°C), Hamirpur (3°C), Sundernagar (3.7°C), Bhuntar (2.5°C), Nahan (6.2°C) and Paonta Sahib (8°C).
While dry weather is expected in most parts of the state, the weather office has warned that heavy snowfall is likely to continue in higher reaches.
Fresh snowfall in McLeodganj and nearby areas, including Naddi, Dharamkot and Bhagsunag, on Friday night caused a sudden dip in temperatures, intensifying the cold wave in Kangra district. Snow accumulation was measured at around three inches in Dharamkot, two inches in Naddi and Bhagsunag, while parts of McLeodganj received one to two inches of snow. Snowfall continued on the higher peaks of the Dhauladhar range on Saturday morning amid cloudy conditions.
Public transport services were badly impacted by the adverse weather. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) suspended 58 government bus routes in Kangra district, disrupting connectivity with several interior and hilly areas.
Power supply was also affected in parts of McLeodganj and Dharamshala, though officials from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board stated that electricity has since been restored in most areas.