Himachal Pradesh capped in snow: 889 roads blocked, power outages widespread

Heavy snowfall and rainfall have blocked at least 889 roads, including four national highways, across Himachal Pradesh, disrupting road connectivity in many parts of the state. The State Emergency Operation Centre reports that 292 roads, including NH-03 and NH-505, are blocked in Lahaul and Spiti, followed by 176 in Shimla, 128 in Mandi, 99 in Kullu (including NH-305), 91 in Chamba, 75 in Kinnaur (including NH-05), 20 in Sirmaur, 18 in Kinnaur, five in Kangra, and three in Una.

The snowfall has also disrupted 3,237 transformers, leaving many areas without electricity. The worst-affected districts are Shimla (1,082 transformers), Kullu (1,024), Mandi (369), Chamba (200), Lahaul and Spiti (199), Kinnaur (164), Sirmaur (156), and Solan (43).

Kothi village near Manali received the highest snowfall, 75 cm, followed by Koksar (51 cm), Gondla (36 cm), Kukumseri (28.3 cm), and Keylong (15 cm). The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy snowfall and rainfall on February 1 and 2, with dry weather on January 29 and light snowfall on January 30 and 31. A yellow weather warning has been issued for dense fog and cold wave conditions in Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur on January 29 and 30.