800 Stranded Tourists Rescued in Lahaul-Spiti Amid Heavy Snowfall
Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh disrupted life and travel, prompting the rescue of around 800 stranded individuals in the Lahaul-Spiti district on Sunday night. The extreme weather conditions resulted in the closure of 87 roads across the state, severely impacting transportation and essential services.
SHO Police Station Keylong, Sub-Inspector Jawal Singh, and his team are actively patrolling the jurisdiction to provide ongoing assistance to tourists and locals. pic.twitter.com/XY2YVKGfux
— Lahaul & Spiti Police (@splahhp) December 8, 2024
Shimla and nearby tourist hotspots Kufri and Fagu witnessed the season’s first snowfall in early December—a rare occurrence in two decades—sparking hope for a surge in tourism. However, the snow also led to hazardous road conditions, creating challenges for residents and visitors alike.
Massive Rescue Operation in Lahaul-Spiti
The Lahaul-Spiti police, assisted by local volunteers, executed a large-scale rescue operation, successfully evacuating 800 individuals and 489 vehicles stranded due to heavy snowfall. Among the vehicles, over 400 belonged to tourists who were caught off guard by the sudden weather changes. Superintendent of Police Mayank Chaudhary commended the efforts of the rescue teams, which included personnel from the Keylong police station, Traffic Police Post Sarchu, and Police Post Kokser.
“A prompt and efficient response ensured the safe evacuation of all stranded individuals,” Chaudhary noted. Despite the successful operation, slippery road conditions in Lahaul continue to pose significant challenges to commuters.
Snowfall Impacts Roads and Power Supply
The heavy snowfall has resulted in the closure of several roads, with Shimla district bearing the brunt. Fifty-eight roads in subdivisions such as Rohru, Jubbal, and Kotkhai were shut, while in Kinnaur, 17 roads, including 12 in Pooh and Kalpa blocks, were rendered impassable. The Rohtang Pass National Highway was also closed beyond the Gulaba checkpoint due to black ice.
Electricity supply was severely disrupted in the region, with 457 power lines affected in the districts of Chamba, Mandi, and Sirmaur. The local administration is working to restore connectivity and services as swiftly as possible.
Snowfall and Weather Forecast
According to the Meteorological Department, snowfall has been significant in several areas, with Khoksar recording 6.7 cm, Khadrala 5 cm, Sangla 3.6 cm, Keylong 3 cm, and Shimla 2.5 cm. Light rain has been reported in parts of the state, with further precipitation expected in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Chamba in the coming hours. Areas like Sirmaur may also witness intermittent rain.
The forecast predicts light to moderate snowfall across the mid and high hills of Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, and Solan, among others, over the next few days. Dense fog is expected in the Bhakra Dam reservoir area in Bilaspur and the Balh Valley in Mandi during early mornings and late nights on December 10 and 11.
Falling Temperatures and Travel Advisory
Minimum and maximum temperatures are anticipated to drop by 3 to 4 degrees across the state. Residents and travelers have been advised to exercise caution due to potential thunderstorms, lightning, and dense fog. The authorities have issued alerts to ensure safety in affected regions and are closely monitoring the situation.
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