484 roads blocked, 2001 transformers damaged

As many as 484 roads, including four national highways, remained closed for vehicular traffic in the state today after fresh snowfall and rain.

As per a status report issued by the State Disaster Management Authority, the highest number of 167 roads, including two national highways, were still blocked in Lahaul and Spiti district, followed by Kullu (93, including one national highway), Chamba (66), Mandi (63), Kinnaur (46, including one national highway), Sirmaur (24), Shimla (17) and Una (6). Besides, 2,001 electricity transformers were disrupted across the state, the highest 940 in Kullu district, followed by 373 in Kinnaur, 341 in Lahaul and Spiti, 154 in Chamba, 135 in Mandi, 48 in Shimla and 10 in Solan district.

Furthermore, 434 water supply schemes in the state had also been affected, the highest 245 in Chamba, followed by 125 in Kullu, 32 in Kangra, 19 in Shimla and 13 in Kinnaur district.

As per the state’s Meteorological Department, heavy snowfall and rainfall in isolated areas across the state is very likely on March 3, while light rain and snow will occur in middle and higher hills of the state on March 4. The weather will remain clear in the state from March 5.

Meanwhile, spells of heavy snowfall occurred in isolated areas of the higher reaches of the state while moderate snowfall and rain occurred at many places in the state during the past 24 hours. Shimla recorded the minimum temperature of 3.6°C, Dharamsala (4.2°C), Manali (0.2°C), Dalhousie (2.4°C), Mandi (7.3°C), Solan (6°C), Kangra (7.4°C), Bilaspur (10.6°C), Sundernagar (7°C), Bhuntar (4.3°C), Nahan (10.1°C) and Paonta Sahib (13°C).

With 22°C maximum temperature, Dehra Gopipur in Kangra district was the hottest place in the state while Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest at minus 6.9°C.