Manali-Keylong highway blocked, Lahaul valley cut off

Lahaul and Spiti district experienced another spell of heavy snowfall today, which continues to disrupt daily life and cripple road connectivity across the region. The snowfall, which began yesterday, has intensified the challenges faced by residents, with several key roads still blocked and snow clearance operations unable to begin due to the harsh conditions.

Keylong recorded around 40 cm of snow accumulation since yesterday, while areas such as Sissu in the Lahaul valley and the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway have experienced accumulation of snow over 3.5 feet today. This has led to the complete closure of the Manali-Keylong highway, isolating the Lahaul valley from the rest of the state.

In addition, critical routes such as the Kaza-Losar road in Spiti valley, the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road, and the Keylong-Darcha road in Lahaul valley have all been blocked. Authorities reported that these closures have made travel within the region nearly impossible, leaving locals unable to carry out routine activities. Power supply has been affected, with 55 electricity transformers damaged in remote areas, causing blackouts in several villages.

The district has also issued an avalanche warning for Lahaul, Spiti and Kullu, urging residents to avoid venturing to avalanche-prone areas. While Mandi district experienced rain throughout the day, the higher hills saw fresh snowfall, adding to the region’s weather challenges.