5 National Highways, 259 Roads Closed As Snow, Rain Lash Himachal, MeT Predicts Fresh Western Disturbance

The weather office predicted rain and snow at isolated places on higher reaches on Monday and Tuesday and wet spell in Himachal Pradesh from Thursday.

Snow-covered area near the Atal Tunnel after a fresh snowfall, in Manali.

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Snowfall and rainfall in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in the closure of 259 roads, including five national highways for vehicular traffic. The local Meteorological Office has issued warnings of potential disruptions, with a fresh western disturbance anticipated to impact the western Himalayan region starting Monday. Additionally, another disturbance may affect the region from Wednesday night.

The MeT office also predicted rain and snow at isolated places on higher reaches on Monday and Tuesday and wet spell in the state from Thursday. A total of 237 roads are blocked in Lahaul and Spiti, nine in Kinnaur, five in Chamba, four in Kullu, two in Mandi and one each in Shimla and Kangra districts, according to the state emergency operation centre, reported PTI.

In the higher reaches and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh, mild snowfall was reported, with Gondla and Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district receiving traces of snow. Kukumseri experienced the lowest temperatures overnight, with the mercury dropping to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Una recorded the highest temperatures during the day, touching a high of 29.8 degrees Celsius. 

120 Stranded Passengers Airlifted In J&K's Gurez

The District Administration of Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir arranged special air sorties for 120 stranded passengers from the snow-hit Kanzalwan area in the Gurez sector. Special air sorties were arranged to facilitate their rescue and safe transfer. 

#WATCH | J&K: The District Administration Bandipora arranged special air sorties for 120 stranded passengers from snow Bound Kanzalwan area of the Gurez sector in north Kashmiri's Bandipora district.

Giving details, an official informed that 60 passengers were airlifted from… pic.twitter.com/0ymAbAZJuu

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2024

An official reported that 60 passengers were airlifted from Bandipora to Kanzalwan, while another 60 were transported from Kanzalwan to Bandipora, reported ANI.