Coldwave persists after snow and rain in HP

Shimla, Dec 5 (UNI) Intense coldwave conditions continue to persist in Himachal Pradesh following heavy snowfall in the higher altitude areas and widespread rains in the lower areas of the state for the third day today, met sources said.

Almost all higher altitude areas and peaks of Kinnuar, Lahaul Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla and Sirmaur districts were experiencing snowfall for the third day today, while widespread rains were reported in the mid and lower hills of the state.

The sources said that the Manali-Leh road remained closed for vehicular traffic for the third day today following over five foot snowfall at 13,050-foot high Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul Spiti district.

Koksar in Lahaul Spiti had so far experienced over two and half feet of snowfall till 1430 hrs, while Patseo had recorded about 50 cm of rains.

Saach Pass in Chamba district had received about six feet snowfall since yesterday and the sources said lower areas of the district were experiencing the season's first snowfall with Bhanoti in the district recording about one and a half feet snow till noon.

Heavy snowfall in the higher areas and rains in the lower areas had disrupted vehicular traffic in interior parts of the district, besides disrupting power in several villages of the district.

A report from Kullu district said Dhundi had recorded about 120 cm snow, while Solang Nullah and Bhang Manali recorded about 35 and six cm of snow respectively during the last 24 hrs, adding that vehicular traffic was disrupted beyond Palchan, five km from the tourist resort of Manali.

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