Avalanches hit normal life in Himachal Pradesh

Manali, Feb 11: Heavy snowfall in Lahaul valley has caused dozens of small avalanches in Himachal Pradesh, posing threat to residents.

As a result, the opening of roads and pathways in the region have been cancelled, said a Times of India report.

Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Beer Singh Thakur told TOI that snowfall on Thursday and Friday has hit normal life in all 28 panchayats of Lahaul valley.

The opening of roads and pathways in the region have been hindered

"Border Roads Organization has restored the Keylong-Leh highway up to Stingari but all major roads and link roads, including Keylong-Udaipur highway, are still blocked with thick layer of snow", he said over phone.

The weather has hit the telecommunication network too. The residents complainted that landlines are not working and cellular network has also jammed.

Officials have warned the residents not to go to avalanche-prone and isolated places. "Many villagers have reported small avalanches and it has become difficult to restore road networks. We had a heart patient in critical condition who was airlifted from the valley on Sunday," he added.

"The good thing is that power has been restored in 75% villages, including Miyar valley, Jispa valley, Sissu, Goshal and Pattan valley. We have enough stock of medicines in our primary health centers and hospitals. It seems like harsh winters have started showing its true colours," Thakur said.

In Kulu, where its snowed for 72 hours, many small vehicles are still stranded and water supply is also hit. Power supply in most of the areas has been restored, said officials.

Oneindia News