Landslides, heavy snowfall disrupt Himachal Pradesh: Over 580 roads blocked, power and water supply affected
PTC Web Desk: Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with severe disruptions caused by heavy rain and snowfall, which have triggered landslides and rockfalls, blocking 583 roads, including five national highways, as of Saturday. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has intensified efforts to restore connectivity and essential services, even as the Meteorological Department has predicted another wet spell from March 3.
Several districts, including Kullu, Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti, are assessing the damage caused by the torrential rain and snow, which have led to rising water levels in rivers and seasonal streams.
On Friday, a cloudburst in Pahanala Khad, Kullu district, swept away several vehicles, while another cloudburst was reported in Chhota Bhangal, Kangra district. Glacier slides occurred in the upper reaches of Kinnaur and Bharmour, and an avalanche hit Kumar Panchayat in Pangi Valley, Chamba district, leaving it completely cut off.
Landslides and falling rocks have stranded at least 70 buses, including government and private vehicles, in various parts of the state. Local bus services in Chamba have been suspended due to road blockages. Additionally, 2,263 power distribution transformers are out of service, impacting electricity supply, while 279 water supply schemes have been disrupted, leaving several areas without essential resources.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the authorities had to open a dam gate in Kullu Valley to manage excess water caused by relentless rainfall. Restoration work is underway to restore normalcy in the affected regions.
- With inputs from agencies
