Widespread snowfall across Himachal, 380 roads shut

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 20

Widespread snowfall in the state in the past 24 hours has led to the closure of 380 roads. Also, 109 distribution transformers (DTRs) have become defunct. As many as nine districts received light to moderate snowfall and a few places, especially in Kullu, saw heavy precipitation in the past 24 hours.

A maximum of 182 roads have been closed in Lahaul and Spiti district, followed by Shimla (68) and Kullu (53). Also, a maximum of 82 DTRs have been affected in Lahaul and Spiti district followed by 20 in Shimla.

More rain, snow likely after Jan 23

The precipitation over the past 24 hours has been widespread. It will reduce over the next two days and there will be only light snowfall/rainfall at isolated places. After Jan 23, the intensity of snowfall and rainfall is likely to increase. Surender Paul, Director, Meteorological Centre, Shimla

“The precipitation over the past 24 hours has been quite widespread. It will reduce over the next two days and there will be only light snowfall/rainfall at isolated places. After January 23, the intensity of snowfall and rainfall is likely to increase,” said Surender Paul, director, Meteorological Centre, Shimla.

Even as the snowfall has been quite widespread, Shimla did not receive much of it. It was only towards the Jakhu hills that a few cm of snow was recorded. The other parts of the city received just a sprinkling of snow or rain through Thursday night.

In Kufri and Narkanda, two to four inches of snow was recorded. Due to the snowfall, most roads to upper Shimla have become slippery and quite a few have been closed. The maximum snowfall has been recorded in Kullu district, with Jalori Jot receiving 24 inches, Rohtang 18 inches and Atal Tunnel (South Portal) 12 inches. In Shimla district, Khadrala, Dodra and Kwar, Chanshal and Churdhar received around 1-ft snowfall. Shimla, though, is likely to get some snowfall after January 23.

Having endured a dry spell over the past couple of months — interrupted by brief snowfall and rainfall over the past week — fresh precipitation will now bring relief to orchardists and farmers and can attract more tourists too.

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