Threat of snow avalanche looms large in Lahaul & Spiti

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, April 24

The threat of snow avalanche looms large in the tribal Lahaul & Spiti district after heavy snowfall occurred in the region in the last two days. The district administration of Lahaul & Spiti has issued an advisory for the residents of the Lahaul valley asking them to refrain from venturing out of their houses in the next few days to avoid any untoward incident.

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The SASE (Snow Avalanche Study Establishment), Manali, has issued a warning of snow avalanche at different locations on the Manali-Leh highway as well as in Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti. On Friday, an avalanche triggered in the Chandra river in Lahaul & Spiti, which blocked the flow of river water for hours in the region.

The Manali-Leh highway was blocked for traffic movement on the third consecutive day from Keylong. Manav Verma, Superintendent of Police, Lahaul & Spiti, said it would take at least more than one week for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to restore the Manali-Leh highway for traffic movement via the Baralacha pass. As many as 38 vehicles, including 32 trucks, were stuck near the Baralacha pass because of heavy snowfall in the region. These vehicles were moving to Leh from Lahaul side, when sudden heavy snowfall blocked the highway two days ago.

The SP stated that those persons who want to travel to Leh or return from Leh to other parts of the country should contact the Ladakh police regarding the status of Ziji La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and plan their travel accordingly.

He said it would take time to restore the Manali-Leh highway for normal traffic because around 38 vehicles were already stuck midway at the Baralacha pass. This region has received heavy snowfall. Due to that, it will take time for the BRO to restore the Manali-Leh highway for normal traffic.

Warning issued

The Snow Avalanche Study Establishment, Manali, has issued a warning of snow avalanches at different locations on the Manali-Leh highway, besides in Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti. On Friday, a snow avalanche was reported in Chandra river in Lahaul & Spiti, which blocked the flow of river water for hours in the region.

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