The vehicle was buried under the debris following the incident. Another vehicle parked at the new bus stand in Ani was also damaged after a landslide occurred in the area.

Rocks fall on moving vehicle in Kullu

The incident took place on NH-305 in Kullu amid heavy rainfall. Debris and rocks suddenly came down from the hillside and fell onto a moving vehicle. Two persons travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries. The vehicle was also trapped under the debris.

In another incident in Ani, a parked vehicle at the new bus stand was damaged after debris from a landslide fell on it.

Shimla also witnessed a landslide late Monday evening. Rocks fell from a hillside, damaging three motorcycles parked along the roadside. The incidents have raised concerns over the risk of landslides in the state's hilly areas as heavy rain continues.

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The rain has also disrupted power and water infrastructure, with 161 transformers and 54 drinking water schemes affected across the state.

In view of the heavy rainfall and the orange alert issued by the weather department, the Kullu administration has taken precautionary measures. The SDM of Kullu has announced a holiday for all educational institutions in the subdivision on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Shimla and Solan.

The IMD has said that monsoon activity is likely to remain active across Himachal Pradesh for the next week. This means the state is unlikely to get a complete break from rainfall in the coming days.

The Western Disturbance is expected to weaken slightly from Wednesday compared with Tuesday. However, some areas may still receive intense spells of rain. A yellow alert has been issued for some districts for the next four days.

The weather department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents and tourists have been asked to stay away from rivers, streams, khads and other areas where water levels can rise quickly. People have also been warned against attempting to cross roads or water channels with strong currents.

The administration has urged people living in or travelling through hilly areas to remain cautious, particularly at locations vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks.

Officials have advised residents to follow weather warnings and advisories issued by the local administration and the IMD.

The downpour has also affected power and water infrastructure, with 104 transformers disrupted and 77 water-supply schemes affected in different districts.

Mandi, Kullu worst affected 

Mandi has reported the highest number of blocked roads, with 92 roads currently closed to traffic. Kullu follows with 48 blocked roads, while Shimla and Chamba have reported 14 roads each.

Sirmaur has nine blocked roads, followed by Kangra with five and Una with three.

The rainfall has also disrupted electricity supply in several areas. Kullu has reported the highest number of affected transformers at 53, followed by Mandi with 34.

Kinnaur has reported 12 disrupted transformers, while Shimla has four and Chamba has one.

The water supply network has also been affected. Of the 77 disrupted water-supply schemes, 55 are in Sirmaur, nine in Hamirpur, seven in Chamba and six in Shimla.

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The weather department has warned of more rainfall across Himachal Pradesh today. The state's Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for all 12 districts, with light to moderate rain expected at most places during the day.

The weather office has, however, forecast no major change in temperatures. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to remain close to normal levels.

Heavy rain recorded in several areas

Several parts of Himachal Pradesh received heavy rainfall on Friday night. Dharamshala recorded the highest rainfall at 48.1 mm, while Manali received 22.0 mm. Koti in Kullu recorded 18.0 mm of rainfall. The state has been witnessing persistent rain for the past four days, leading to road closures and disruptions to essential services.

Kinnaur Kailash Yatra remains suspended

The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Kinnaur district could not resume for the second consecutive day because of bad weather. The pilgrimage had also been suspended a day earlier due to rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall activity may weaken slightly over Himachal Pradesh during the next two days. However, a strong Western Disturbance is expected to become active from August 10, which could bring another spell of intense rainfall.

Orange alert on August 10 and 11

The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall in some parts of Himachal Pradesh on August 10 and 11. An orange alert has been issued for Kangra and Sirmaur on August 10. On August 11, Chamba, Mandi, Kullu and Sirmaur will remain under an orange alert. Other districts have been placed under a yellow alert for moderate to heavy rainfall.

The IMD has advised people in orange-alert districts to stay away from rivers, streams and areas vulnerable to landslides. Rain is expected to continue in the state until August 13

Temperatures fall sharply

The ongoing spell of rain has also brought down temperatures across Himachal Pradesh. The state's average maximum temperature is currently 3.1 degrees Celsius below normal. Keylong recorded the biggest drop, with its maximum temperature falling 8.7 degrees below normal to 16.1°C.

Bhuntar's maximum temperature stood at 24.8°C, down 6.5 degrees from normal. Chamba recorded 26.9°C, 5.9 degrees below normal, while Manali's temperature fell 5.8 degrees below normal to 19.6°C. Several other parts of the state have also recorded temperatures significantly below their normal levels.

Himachal records 6% rainfall deficit

Despite the recent heavy rainfall, Himachal Pradesh has received 6% less rainfall than normal during the ongoing monsoon season. According to the IMD, the state normally receives 425.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 7. This year, it has received 400.1 mm during the same period.

Hamirpur has recorded 43% less rainfall than normal, while Kangra has reported a 14% deficit. Lahaul-Spiti has received 52% less, Mandi 23% less and Solan 3% less rainfall than normal. Several districts, however, have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Bilaspur has received 1% more rainfall than normal, Chamba 9% more, Kinnaur 32% more, Kullu 27% more and Shimla 25% more. Sirmaur has recorded 8% excess rainfall, while Una has received 9% more than normal.

Tourist car trapped under landslide debris

A major landslide occurred near Gurahala on the Barot-Ghatasani road when a large amount of debris and rocks suddenly rolled down from a hillside onto the road. A car carrying tourists from Shimla was caught beneath the debris.

Fortunately, both tourists, including the driver, managed to get out of the vehicle in time, avoiding what could have been a serious accident. The incident completely blocked the route, leading to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road.

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Soon after receiving information about the incident, teams from the Public Works Department (PWD) reached the spot with heavy machinery. After several hours of debris removal and restoration work, the road was reopened for traffic by the afternoon. However, the administration has warned that the hillside near Gurahala remains unstable and continues to show signs of movement. People have been advised to avoid travelling on this stretch, especially during the night and to follow weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department.

Mandi-Pathankot NH affected

Heavy rain also triggered landslides near Talgahar and Kunnu Bridge, close to Urla on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway. At around 5 am, a large amount of debris and slush covered the highway near Talgahar, leaving a car stuck in the muddy stretch. Rescue and clearance operations continued for nearly three hours. Traffic was initially restored through a single lane before the highway was fully reopened later.

Several link roads temporarily closed

Persistent rainfall also led to the temporary closure of several link roads across the area, affecting local residents and travellers. Many commuters faced delays as road clearance work continued throughout the day.

Public advisory issued

The district administration has urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions. People have also been advised to remain alert while passing through landslide-prone areas and to follow official weather updates before planning their journey.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, light to moderate rain is expected at many places, while isolated areas could witness heavy rainfall. Districts, including Kangra, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kinnaur are likely to receive intense showers during this period.

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Thunderstorms and strong winds also likely

The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph in the lower and mid-hill regions between August 7 and August 9.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious as changing weather conditions could affect normal life.

Risk of landslides and flash floods

The IMD has cautioned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may trigger landslides, mudslides and flash floods, especially in vulnerable areas. The department also warned that rising water levels in rivers, streams and other water bodies could increase the risk of flooding. Waterlogging in low-lying areas and slippery roads may also lead to traffic disruptions and accidents.

People have been advised to avoid landslide-prone areas, stay away from rivers and streams and follow traffic advisories while travelling.

Temperature to fluctuate in coming days

The weather department said there is unlikely to be any major change in minimum temperatures over the next three to four days. However, maximum temperatures may fall by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours due to rainfall before rising by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the following two to three days.

Pleasant weather continues in Shimla

Intermittent rain has kept the weather pleasant in Shimla, with tourists and local residents enjoying the cool conditions. Despite the ongoing monsoon, tourist movement remains steady, with visitors continuing to explore the city's popular attractions.

Kangra among most rain-sensitive districts

Meteorological Centre Shimla Director Shobhit Katiyar said Kangra is expected to remain one of the most rain-sensitive districts in the coming days.

He said isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Kangra on August 7, moderate to heavy rain is expected on August 8, and another spell of heavy rain is forecast for August 9 and 10.

He added that rainfall activity is also expected to increase in the higher reaches of the state, prompting the IMD to issue an orange alert.

Flash flood risk in four districts

According to the Meteorological Centre, there is a low to moderate risk of flash floods in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kinnaur, along with nearby areas, during the next 24 hours. The warning comes amid forecasts of continued rainfall that could lead to a sudden rise in water levels in vulnerable locations.

Authorities have advised people to stay away from rivers, streams, drains and other flood-prone areas. Residents have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable locations until weather conditions improve.

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Yellow alert issued for several areas

The weather department has also issued a yellow alert for Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur and Mandi districts for the day. These areas are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall at isolated places. Light rain is likely to continue across the remaining parts of Himachal Pradesh. Despite the wet weather, both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to stay close to normal.

Temperatures across Himachal Pradesh

The latest weather observations showed the following temperatures across the state:

Shimla: 16.8°C

Dharamsala: 21.7°C

Manali: 19.5°C

Solan: 21.4°C

Mandi: 24.4°C

Bilaspur: 25.5°C

Hamirpur: 25.4°C

Kangra: 23.8°C

Dalhousie: 17.9°C

Kufri: 14.4°C

Kasauli: 19°C

Una: 22.3°C

Nahan: 21.3°C

Paonta Sahib: 26°C

Bharmour in Chamba district recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 13°C.

Residents advised to stay alert

With the possibility of flash floods over the next 24 hours, the weather department has appealed to residents to closely monitor weather updates and exercise caution, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. People are advised not to venture near water bodies or other risky locations until the weather situation stabilises.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall across Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana over the next three days and has issued an Orange Alert for the region.

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Rain changes weather in Chandigarh

Strong winds began blowing early in the morning before rain started around 9 am in Chandigarh. The showers brought a noticeable drop in temperature, making outdoor conditions much more pleasant.

The city had been experiencing hot and humid weather for several days. Even the brief rainfall recorded a day earlier had failed to provide lasting relief, but Monday's showers significantly improved the weather.

Orange alert for Punjab and Haryana

According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely to continue across parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh until July 22.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of heavy rain, especially in low-lying areas that may experience waterlogging.

Himachal Pradesh under red alert

While Chandigarh witnessed pleasant weather, the situation in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh remains serious. The IMD has issued a red alert for the next 48 hours, warning of very heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides in several districts.

The state administration has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas and follow all weather advisories.

Residents living close to rivers and seasonal streams have also been advised to move to safer locations if required.

Districts under red and orange alerts

For July 20, a red alert has been issued for:

Chamba

Kangra

Mandi

Sirmaur

An orange alert is in place for:

Hamirpur

Una

Shimla

Solan

Kullu

The remaining districts are under a yellow alert.

On July 21, the red alert will continue for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur, while Una, Hamirpur and Shimla will remain under an orange alert.

By July 22, weather conditions are expected to improve slightly. However, Chamba and Mandi will continue under an orange alert, while Kangra, Kullu and Shimla will remain under a Yellow Alert.

Schools closed in four districts

As a precaution, district administrations have declared a holiday in all government and private educational institutions in Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur on Monday. Students, parents and school staff have been advised to follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary movement.

The girl, a resident of Bijnor district, had travelled to Manali with her parents when she was reportedly swept away by the strong current near the Club House area.

Soon after the incident, the local police and the fire department launched a joint search and rescue operation. Rescue teams searched the stream and nearby areas before eventually locating the girl's body in the Beas River near the Volvo Bus Stand in Manali. The body has been taken into police custody for further legal formalities.

The incident has left the family devastated. Authorities have once again urged tourists to stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies during the monsoon season, warning that rising water levels and strong currents can be extremely dangerous.

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The Chamba road accident happened when the Alto car, which was travelling from Luna towards Ruhankothi via Samra, reportedly lost control and fell off the road into a deep gorge before landing in a stream. A total of five persons were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The Chamba road accident triggered a rescue operation after locals rushed to the spot upon hearing the crash. The injured were pulled out and rushed to the Medical College Chamba while three passengers died on the spot due to severe injuries.

Local residents were the first to reach the accident site and began rescue efforts before authorities arrived. Police teams later reached the spot, took stock of the situation and started an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani confirmed the accident and said that a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact reason behind the vehicle losing control.

Preliminary information suggests that the vehicle may have skidded off the narrow hill road before falling into the gorge. Further investigation will determine whether road conditions or driver error contributed to the accident.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution while travelling on hilly routes, especially during the monsoon season when roads become more dangerous.

According to Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma, the cloudburst occurred after heavy rainfall around 4 am in Nichar area. The sudden surge of water caused a flash flood in the Kachrang nullah, washing away a village access path. However, no loss of life or property was reported.

Meanwhile, weather conditions changed rapidly in Shimla, where clear skies and sunshine during the morning gave way to rainfall before noon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain in Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti until the afternoon, while districts, including Kangra, Solan, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur may experience rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.

The IMD has indicated that light rainfall is likely to continue across the state until June 28. Moderate rainfall is also expected in some mid-hill regions on June 25 and June 28.

The southwest monsoon, which usually reaches Himachal Pradesh around June 22, has yet to arrive this year. Weather officials believe its arrival may be delayed further, with no strong signs of advancement over the next week.

Rainfall across the state remains below normal. Between June 1 and June 23, Himachal Pradesh received 49.9 mm of rain against the seasonal average of 66.7 mm, a deficit of nearly 25 percent. Except for Solan district, most parts of the state have recorded below-normal rainfall.

At the same time, temperatures have risen sharply in several areas. Keylong recorded the highest jump, with the maximum temperature increasing by 10.8 degrees Celsius to reach 22°C. The state's average maximum temperature has risen by around four degrees Celsius compared to the previous day.

According to officials, the strongest earthquake struck at 10:04 pm on June 5. The epicentre was located in the Dhauladhar mountain range between Dhar Gharoi and RF Kugti along the Kangra-Chamba border, approximately 40 km from Dharamshala.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 22.5 km and was felt across several areas of Kangra, Chamba and adjoining districts. Residents reported strong shaking, prompting many to step out of their homes as a precautionary measure.

The seismic activity began earlier in the day when a mild earthquake measuring 2.3 on the Richter scale was recorded near Minkiani Pass in the Dhauladhar range at 8:52 am. The epicentre was located around 16 km from Dharamshala. Due to its low intensity, the tremor was barely felt by residents.

Following the magnitude 5.0 earthquake, two additional tremors were recorded later in the night. A 2.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 11:03 pm approximately 18 km  from Dharamshala, while another tremor measuring 3.0 occurred at 11:52 pm near RF Heelang, about 23 km from the town.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, although no reports of injuries or significant structural damage have emerged.

Kangra district, home to Dharamshala, falls under Seismic Zone-V, the highest earthquake-risk category in India. The region is considered highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location in the Himalayan belt. While earthquakes of magnitude 3 to 4 are generally classified as minor and rarely cause substantial damage, they are often strong enough to be felt by residents.

Officials have advised people to remain alert and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.

The changing weather affected power supply in some regions. In Sujanpur’s Chamiyana area, a high-tension electricity line was damaged due to strong winds. Kangra district also experienced a power outage for nearly two hours on Saturday morning following the storm.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pandoh recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours at 37.4 mm. Other areas that received significant rainfall include Naina Devi with 34.6 mm, Guler 25.8 mm, Kangra 20.5 mm, Sundernagar 20.3 mm and Gohar 20 mm.

Rainfall was also recorded in Murari Devi, Una, Jot, Sarahan, Dehra Gopipur, Kotkhai and Shimla.

The showers have led to a sharp fall in temperatures across the state. Shimla’s minimum temperature, which was recorded at 20 degrees Celsius on May 28, dropped to 11.5 degrees Celsius on Friday. Similarly, Kangra’s minimum temperature came down from 21.5 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius.

A noticeable decline in maximum temperatures has also been recorded. Kufri witnessed the steepest drop of 6.3 degrees Celsius, bringing the daytime temperature down to 17.8 degrees Celsius. Dharamshala, Shimla, Manali and Kangra also saw temperatures fall by around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and strong winds in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Wind speeds of up to 50 kmph are expected in some areas.

The weather department has predicted that the unsettled weather conditions are likely to continue on May 31 as well, with chances of light rainfall in several parts of the state. While the western disturbance may weaken from June 1, light rain is still expected in mid and higher hill regions till June 2.

Light drizzle is also likely in the higher reaches on June 3 and 4, which is expected to keep temperatures pleasant and provide relief from the heat over the next few days.

Following the latest spell of snowfall, authorities have restricted vehicular movement towards the Atal Tunnel, allowing only four-by-four vehicles to ply as a precautionary measure.

According to rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours, Manali received the highest precipitation at 53 mm, followed by Tissa in Chamba with 33 mm. Other areas, including Sarahan, Seobagh, Bhuntar, Shimla, Bharmour, Dharamshala, Bhatiyat, Sangla and Jogindernagar, also recorded moderate to heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next 48 hours in districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi and Shimla. The department has also warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds gusting up to 40–50 kmph during this period.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious, while tourists have been urged to avoid travel to higher altitude regions amid the prevailing weather conditions.

Except for Kinnaur, which remains outside the warning zone, all other districts are under a yellow alert. The weather office has predicted one or two intense spells of snowfall in higher reaches over the next two days.

The sudden shift in weather has brought back January-like cold conditions across the state. The average maximum temperature has dropped by around 5°C below normal, with some areas witnessing a decline of up to 11°C.

Chamba recorded the steepest fall, with its maximum temperature dropping by 11.1°C to settle at 16.8°C. In Mandi, the temperature fell by 7.8°C to 20.8°C, while Solan recorded 18°C after a drop of 7.4°C. Una saw a decrease of 6.4°C, bringing the maximum down to 23.4°C, while Manali recorded 14°C, down by 3.9°C from normal levels.

The IMD has forecast a further drop in temperatures over the next three days. However, from March 21 onwards, the western disturbance influencing the region is expected to weaken, leading to clearer weather conditions. Light snowfall may continue in isolated higher-altitude areas, while the rest of the state is likely to witness improved weather over the following days.

In a surprising development for early March, the maximum temperature has crossed the 30°C mark in a few areas of the state. Weather experts warn that if the current dry conditions persist for a few more days, several hill towns could record their highest-ever March temperatures.

Some prominent locations,  including Shimla, Kangra, Sundernagar, Kalpa and Bhuntar, are currently hovering just 1–2°C below their all-time March records.

Kalpa, located in Kinnaur district, recorded a maximum temperature of 24°C, which is 14.8°C higher than the normal level for this time of year. The town’s previous highest temperature for March was 24.4°C, recorded in 2010, indicating that the current heat is approaching record levels.

Similarly, Shimla registered a daytime temperature of 25.2°C, moving closer to its March record of 27.2°C set in 2004. Notably, the hill station had not crossed 20°C during the first week of March in the past five years, making this year’s spike particularly unusual.

The lower hill regions, including Sundernagar and Kangra, are also reporting temperatures 8–9°C above normal. However, the most significant departures from the seasonal average are being seen in the mid and higher hill areas.

Officials from the meteorological department say the sudden rise is largely due to prevailing atmospheric conditions. According to a weather department official, temperatures have been consistently high across the mid and upper hill regions in recent days, and similar conditions are expected to continue for another 48 hours.

The official explained that the current wind pattern over the region is preventing moisture-laden winds from reaching the hills, allowing temperatures to rise more quickly than usual.

Night temperatures have also increased significantly. In Shimla, the minimum temperature was recorded at 15.4°C, which is 9.3°C above the normal level for this period.

The combination of unusually high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions is becoming a cause of concern for farmers, particularly apple growers in lower altitude areas, as such weather can disrupt flowering and affect crop health.

Weather authorities have, however, indicated some relief ahead. Rainfall is likely in certain parts of Himachal Pradesh from March 7, and if the forecast materialises, it could bring a slight drop in temperatures across the state.

The snowfall has crippled infrastructure across the state. As many as 885 roads, including four national highways, remain closed, while over 3,000 power transformers are non-functional. Water supply has also been badly hit due to frozen pipelines, leaving thousands of households without drinking water.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand witnessed a brief respite on Thursday as sunshine returned after two days of continuous snowfall. However, major pilgrimage routes remain buried under thick layers of snow. Roads in Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri are still covered with 3 to 4 feet of snow. Auli in Chamoli district received nearly 2 feet of snowfall on Wednesday. Authorities have issued an avalanche warning across vulnerable areas of the state.

The impact of snowfall in the mountains is being felt strongly in the plains as well. Several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have reported a sharp drop in temperatures, accompanied by fog and rainfall. Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh received rain on Thursday morning, while cities such as Ayodhya and Lucknow were among nine districts that witnessed rainfall on Wednesday.

In Bihar, light to moderate rain is likely in five districts tonight, followed by a further dip in temperatures, intensifying the cold wave. Bhagalpur recorded the lowest temperature in the state on Wednesday at 7.4°C. Weather agencies have also issued thunderstorm and rainfall alerts for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh starting January 31.

In Uttar Pradesh, rain affected daily life in several districts. Schools up to Class 8 were closed in Sambhal, while classes up to Class 12 were suspended in Siddharthnagar as a precautionary measure. The Meteorological Department has issued hailstorm and rainfall alerts in 29 districts of the state.

Punjab and Haryana are also experiencing biting cold. Amritsar emerged as the coldest place in Punjab with a minimum temperature of 3.7°C, while Bhiwani in Haryana recorded 5.5°C. Dense fog reduced visibility in Chandigarh during the morning hours, adding to travel disruptions.

Authorities across states have urged people to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in snowbound areas, and follow weather advisories closely as harsh winter conditions continue to prevail.

The accident took place on the Lahat–Shivnagar link road near Shivnagar when the bus, carrying around 15 children, lost balance and overturned while negotiating a turn. Apart from the students, two teachers, the driver and the conductor also sustained injuries in the mishap.

Police personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and carried out rescue operations. All the injured were taken to Civil Hospital, Palampur, where doctors said their condition was stable and out of danger.

The incident triggered panic among parents and residents of nearby areas, many of whom hurried to the accident site after hearing about the accident. The bus was reportedly operated by a private school located at Pahara village near Panchrukhi. 

Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver failed to control the vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve. However, the driver maintained that the accident occurred due to the poor and damaged condition of the road, claiming that the bus was being driven at a normal speed.

Local residents also alleged that the Lahat–Shivnagar road has become increasingly unsafe due to poor maintenance and increasing traffic. 

The police have registered a case against the bus driver, though no arrests have been made so far. Further investigation is currently underway.

According to officials, light to moderate precipitation is also likely in adjoining areas, which could further intensify cold conditions. Over the past 24 hours, snowfall was reported from the upper regions of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts, adding to the winter accumulation already present in these areas.

In Lahaul and Spiti district, Gondla received the highest snowfall at 22 cm, followed closely by Koksar with 21.3 cm. Kukumseri recorded 19 cm of snow, while Keylong and Hansa witnessed 15 cm and 12.5 cm, respectively. In Kinnaur district, Kalpa and Sangla saw snowfall measuring 5.5 cm and 1.8 cm.

Cold conditions continued to prevail across the state, with minimum temperatures ranging between 2°C and 5°C in most regions. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 6°C, while Dharamsala stood at 5°C. Manali experienced near-freezing conditions with a low of 0.6°C.

Several places in the mid and lower hills also reported a noticeable dip in temperatures. Kalpa recorded minus 1.2°C, Narkanda minus 1°C, and Kukumseri dropped further to minus 2.9°C. Tabo village in Lahaul and Spiti emerged as the coldest location in the state, registering a biting minimum temperature of minus 8.9°C.

Weather officials have advised residents and travellers in snow-bound regions to remain cautious, as fresh snowfall could disrupt road connectivity and daily life in the higher reaches.

Although higher regions such as Lahaul and Spiti and parts of Chamba had witnessed snowfall earlier, most mountain areas had remained dry until now. The fresh spell of snow has now reached several regions, bringing a major change in weather conditions.

Snowfall was reported not only in the high-altitude areas of Shimla and Kinnaur but also in parts of the state capital. Several upper regions of Shimla district, including Chopal, Rampur, Narkanda, Khadapathar and Kufri, have been receiving steady snowfall since morning.

Heavy snow accumulation has led to road closures at some locations, including Deha and Chopal, disrupting vehicular movement. Power supply has also been affected in several areas due to the harsh weather.

The Meteorological Department had earlier issued an orange alert for widespread snowfall and rainfall on January 22 and 23. According to the forecast, the wet weather is expected to continue throughout the day.

The snowfall has come as a relief for farmers and apple growers, who were struggling due to prolonged dry conditions. It is also expected to give a boost to tourism, with fresh snow attracting visitors to hill destinations.

Under the new service, helicopter flights will operate daily between Sanjauli and Bhuntar airport in Kullu, as well as to the ITBP helipad at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur. In addition, helicopter connectivity between Chandigarh and Sanjauli will be available three days a week:  on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The fare for the Sanjauli–Kullu sector has been set at Rs 3,500 per passenger, while passengers travelling to Reckong Peo will have to pay Rs 4,000. The ticket price for the Sanjauli–Chandigarh route has been fixed at Rs 3,169.

Announcing future plans, the Chief Minister said helicopter services on the Sanjauli–Rampur–Reckong Peo and Sanjauli–Manali routes will be introduced shortly, subject to clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Sukhu said the new air services would ensure quicker, safer and more convenient travel for both tourists and local residents. He added that the Sanjauli heliport’s close proximity to Indira Gandhi Medical College would also prove beneficial during medical emergencies.

Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening aviation infrastructure, Sukhu said heliports are being developed at district headquarters and key tourist destinations across the state. Four heliports:  at Jaskot in Hamirpur district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, and Chamba are expected to be completed by March–April 2026, with an investment of Rs 15 crore each.

The fire reportedly broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am near the UCO Bank branch and rapidly spread to an adjacent structure, affecting two residential buildings that housed multiple families. Within minutes, the flames engulfed large portions of the area, triggering panic among residents.

According to officials, both buildings were completely gutted, with the intensity of the blaze increasing due to the explosion of LPG cylinders, which were heard going off during the fire. A significant stretch of the Arki market area has been reduced to ashes.

Firefighting teams were deployed from multiple locations, including Ambuja Cements Darlaghat, Banalegi, Boileuganj, and Solan, along with local fire tenders. After hours of effort, the fire was finally brought under control by around 7 am.

Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that the boy, believed to be seven to eight years old, was found charred inside the UCO Bank building, which also sustained heavy damage in the incident.

Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma and Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi visited the spot to review rescue and relief operations. Police personnel and disaster response teams are continuing search operations amid fears that several people may still be trapped.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated, officials said.

Residents said the cracks had been appearing over the past few days but worsened significantly on Friday, making the building unsafe for occupation. Locals have alleged that nearby four-lane highway construction work could be a contributing factor to the damage.

According to residents, the issue was brought to the notice of officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) earlier, but no immediate action was taken.

Following the evacuation, officials from the district administration inspected the site to assess the extent of structural damage and determine further action. Authorities said the situation is being monitored and appropriate measures will be taken after a detailed evaluation.