Sunshine in HP fails in containing coldwave

Shimla, Jan 31 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh continues to be in the grip of an intense coldwave despite bright sunshine across the state with several areas in mid and lower areas recording minimum temperatures below freezing point.

The state is experiencing unusual cold during this winter season with the minimum temperature in Shimla town falling to minus 2.8 degrees Celsius after recording point three cm of snow during the last 24 hrs. Yesterday, the town had recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius.

The day temperature in the town was recorded at 6.6 degrees Celsius, the met office added.

The met office said Sundernagar, Bhuntar and Una towns recorded night temperatures of minus 2.4, 1.5 and two degrees Celsius respectively following mild intermittent snowfall at several places in mid and lower hills after many years.

The minimum temperature at Kalpa in the tribal Kinnaur district fell by about four points to stand at minus 13.2 degrees as compared to minus 9.6 degrees yesterday, it said.

Several places in the tribal districts were recording minimum temperatures between minus 20 to minus 30 degrees Celsius following heavy snowfall recently, the met office said.

Supply of power, drinking water and vehicular traffic have been affected in all the tribal districts of the state after experiencing heavy snowfall in the last few days.

Himachal Road Transport Corporation's (HRTC) acting regional manager D S Negi said buses were plying on Sangla, Nichar and Kafnu link roads only, while vehicular traffic was affected on all other routes.

He said vehicles bound for Pooh in Kinnuar district were only being allowed up to Shasho Khud on the National Highway No 22.

The met office has forecast mild snowfall and light showers at isolated places in the state during the next 24 hrs.

UNI XC AS PS VN1801