IMD issues red alert for Himachal Pradesh; heavy snow, rain on cards

Tribune News Service

Shimla/Mandi, February 18

The weather department has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy snow/rain and thunderstorm at isolated places in several districts for Monday.

The weather department has upgraded the alert from orange to red for Monday. The forecast for heavy to very heavy rain/snow at isolated places has been issued for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi and Shimla.

As per the department, there will be rain at most places in the plains and low hills, and snow/rain at most places in mid and high hills.

Due to heavy precipitation, the disruption of essential services such as water, electricity, communications and related services is likely. The visibility is also likely to decrease.

The department has advised people to take adequate safety measures.

Meanwhile, snow has already started in Manali and parts of Lahaul.

As a result, the Manali administration stopped traffic movement beyond Manali towards Lahaul Valley on the Manali-Leh highway after 2 pm on Sunday. Heavy snow has left Manali and the Lahaul region in the grip of a cold wave.

Manali DSP KD Sharma said that due to snow in Manali and Lahaul region in daytime today, the vehicular movement had been stopped beyond Manali towards Lahaul on the Manali-Leh highway after 2 pm. “Only 4x4 vehicles in emergency cases were allowed to move beyond Manali towards Lahaul or come to Manali from Lahaul,” he said.

Lahaul and Spiti DC Rahul Kumar said that due to fresh snow in the region, roads had become risky for the movement of vehicles. “We have advised people to avoid unnecessary journeys towards Lahaul or within Lahaul Valley until snow is cleared from the roads,” he said.  

The DC said the water and power supply were normal in the district. He urged the people to follow the instructions of the administration strictly to avoid any untoward incident.

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