Avalanche threat in parts of HP; snowfall in mid, higher hills

Shimla, Mar 11: Avalanche threat loomed large over high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh as several parts in mid and higher hills of the state experienced fresh snowfall.

Deputy Commissioners of districts concerned have been alerted and asked remain prepared to meet any eventuality, Special Secretary of Disaster management D D Sharma said. Shimla and surrounding areas witnessed severe hailstorm, while Churdhar and Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra and Sirmaur, and the high altitude areas experienced intermittent snowfall for the third day today.

The mid and lower hills were lashed by rains and sleet, the MeT department said. Normal life was hit as over 50 roads in Shimla and Kullu districts and the tribal areas were blocked due to snowfall while power supply and mobile services were disrupted at several places, officials said.

Shimla received 14.8 cm of snow since yesterday, followed by Kalpa 14.2 cm and Manali 2 cm. Solan was the wettest in the state with 26.3 mm of rains followed by Kangra 22.4 mm, Manali 15 mm, Dharamshala 10.2 mm, Sundernagar 3.2 mm and Bhuntar 2.6 mm.

Keylong in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest recording a low of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius followed by Kalpa minus 4.0 degrees Celsius while Manali, Shimla and Dharamshala recorded minimum temperatures of 0.6 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees Celsius and 6.6 degrees Celsius respectively.

PTI