Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti areas has created deep snow on the roads, making travel very difficult. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) says a new weather pattern called a “western disturbance” will bring more rain and snow to the northern hills in the next few days.
Many roads in Himachal Pradesh are blocked, disrupting regional travel. In lower Kullu district, continuous heavy rain has caused flash floods that swept away some vehicles and trapped others in mud. Landslides have also occurred in various parts of the state.
Photos showed an avalanche sweeping away a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) crew in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, where rescue efforts are ongoing despite bad weather.
According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, 583 roads, including five National Highways, are blocked. Additionally, 279 water supply systems are affected, and 2,263 power transformers are down due to the snow and rain.
IMD’s senior scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma explained that the bad weather came from the western disturbances that started on February 25 and continued until late last night. He mentioned, “Another western disturbance will start on March 2, and its effects will be felt on March 3. Areas like Kangra, Chamba, and Lahaul Spiti will see heavy snowfall, while Kullu and Mandi will experience heavy rain.”
However, the weather is expected to improve starting March 5. IMD Scientist Dr. Soma Sen Roy mentioned that moderate thunderstorms are likely in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal. There might also be heavy rain in Arunachal Pradesh. She noted that South India is experiencing heavy rainfall due to easterly winds affecting Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadweep.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu advised people to stay away from rivers and streams due to the dangerous weather conditions. He also encouraged everyone to be careful and follow safety guidelines from local officials.
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