Category: Snowfall

MANALI/ SHIMLA: Eight districts of Himachal are receiving heavy snowfall while other districts are lashed with rain following the aggressive western disturbances which are expected to bring more snow to state till January 26. The inclement weather has triggered cold wave conditions in the state. Higher reaches of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Mandi, Shimla, Kangra and Sirmaur are receiving very heavy snow. Tourist resorts of Shimla, Dalhousie and Manali also woke up to a thick layer of snow on Tuesday. Most places are receiving snow since Monday night. Shimla and Manali had received over 10cm of snow till filing of this report while Dalhousie received 15cm snow. Kothi and Solang have received over 45cm of snow. Keylong (15cm), Koksar (30cm), Kalpa (7cm), Bharmaur (8cm), Saloni (6cm) and Sarahan (5cm) are also receiving good snow since Monday night. Low hills of the state are lashed with rain. Ghamroor (62mm), Dharamshala (47mm), Guler (45mm), Baldwara (42mm), Kasauli (41mm), Gaggal (40mm), Ghumarwin (30mm), Jogindernagar (25mm), Hamirpur (23mm) and Una (22mm) are continuously receiving rain. While snowfall and rain have triggered landslides at many places, the higher reaches are on alert due to avalanche threat. There are some reports of avalanches from Lahaul valley. Lahaul-Spiti administration has advised residents to stay indoors during snow storm conditions and avoid venturing close to avalanche prone areas. Over 200 bus routes in state were affected following the snowfall. Many state and district roads are blocked while traffic in entire Lahaul valley has come to a complete standstill. Vehicles in upper Shimla, upper Manali, Jalori pass and upper Chamba were struggling to keep moving. Taking precautionary measures, tourist movement in Manali has been stopped beyond Bahang as vehicles are slipping on road. Power supply in some higher areas was crippled partially. Avalanches in Dhara and Dimru nullahs, tributaries