By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.
Ice Age in India: Snowfall covers Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand; temperature to fall in…
Snowfall was recorded in the Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and the higher reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur districts.
We all have seen Hollywood movies or shows in which Europe and the US are shown covered with snow. However, in our country, ice and snow can only be seen in states like Kashmir, Himachal or Uttarakhand that too in specific seasons. Contrastingly, in the recent images that are going viral on the internet, Manali can be seen covered with snowfall and Shimla is also attracting tourists who love snowfall. Here’s all the details you need to know about snowfall and the weather prediction.
Snowfall recorded in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi
In a recent update, at least 177 roads, including three national highways, were closed in Himachal Pradesh following snowfall in several districts. Snowfall was recorded in the Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and the higher reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur districts.
A second consecutive day of snowfall has led to an increase in tourist inflow amid hope on a white Christmas. Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association president MK Seth told PTI that hotel occupancy in Shimla was at more than 70 per cent. The snowfall led to a 30-percentage point increase in room bookings, he added.
About 174 roads and three national highways are closed and tourists in about 500 vehicles stranded near the Atal Tunnel were safely rescued till late on Monday, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster) Onkar Sharma told PTI Videos.
According to reports, four people died in accidents during the past 24 hours and several suffered injuries due to vehicles skidding at some places. The administration is yet to share details about the victims. The national highways between Attari and Leh, Sanj to Aut in Kullu district, and Khab Sangam in Kinnaur district and Gramphoo in Lahaul and Spiti district were blocked for traffic.
A maximum 89 roads were closed in Shimla, followed by 44 in Kinnaur and 25 in Mandi. Some areas were without electricity after 683 transformers stopped working, the State Emergency Operation Centre said.
Temperatures expected to drop in North India
With the heavy snowfall recorded in the mountains, the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to come down and several cities of North India are going to witness the cold waves soon.
Cold wave conditions in Kangra
Cold wave conditions were observed in Kangra and Bilaspur with moderate fog in Mandi and Bilaspur while ground frost was seen in Palampur, Bhuntar, Kangra, Shimla and Jubbarhatti, the department said.
Tabo in tribal Lahaul and Spiti district was coldest at night recording a low of minus 14 degree Celsius followed by minus 7.8 degree Celsius in Kukumseri, minus 6.8 degree Celsius in Samdho, minus 3 degree Celsius in Kalpa and minus 1 degree Celsius in Manali, it said.
(With inputs from agencies)