Mumbai Tourist Succumbs to Extreme Cold in Manali; Himachal Grapples with Severe Weather Events
A tragic incident unfolded in the popular hill station of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, as a tourist from Mumbai died suddenly on Tuesday night, with authorities attributing the cause to severe cold exposure. The victim has been identified as Priyanka Vishnu Dukhande, aged 38, a resident of Kalachowki in Mumbai, who was visiting the region with relatives.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, Priyanka had embarked on a day trip to the scenic Solang Valley, located approximately 15 kilometers from Manali, on Tuesday morning, accompanied by her aunt. The area has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures for several days, creating hazardous conditions for visitors.
On their return journey, Priyanka began exhibiting severe symptoms, including uncontrolled shivering, and her health deteriorated rapidly. Her aunt immediately rushed her to a hospital in Manali for emergency medical attention.
After conducting a preliminary examination, doctors declared Priyanka dead at the hospital. A police officer confirmed the incident, stating that foul play has been ruled out, and the death appears to be directly linked to the extreme cold weather conditions prevailing in the region.
Landslide Triggers Panic in Kullu District
In a separate but related development, a landslide occurred near Pahnala village in Kullu district on Thursday morning, causing widespread panic among local residents. Fortunately, officials confirmed that there was no loss of life or property damage resulting from the event.
An official remarked, "Landslides are rare during the winter season. The recent heavy rainfall in the area is likely the primary trigger for this incident." This highlights the unusual weather patterns affecting Himachal Pradesh.
Avalanche Alerts and Record Low Temperatures
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a level-2 yellow alert for avalanches in high-altitude areas. The alert covers regions at elevations of 3,200 meters or more in the districts of Chamba, Lahaul & Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur.
This warning follows an avalanche that struck near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel on Tuesday, underscoring the heightened risks in these mountainous zones. Temperature records further illustrate the severity of the cold wave:
- Kukumseri in Lahaul & Spiti recorded the state's lowest temperature at -14.9°C on Thursday.
- Manali itself registered a minimum temperature of -0.7°C, contributing to the dangerous environment for tourists and locals alike.
Earthquake Adds to Regional Turmoil
Adding to the series of natural events, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 hit the Kinnaur district on Thursday. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the tremor occurred at 3:59 AM, with a depth of 5 kilometers and its epicentre located in the Chango area of Kinnaur.
While no casualties or damages have been reported from the earthquake, it compounds the challenges faced by the region, which is already dealing with extreme cold, landslide risks, and avalanche threats.
The confluence of these incidents—a tourist's death from cold exposure, a landslide, avalanche alerts, and an earthquake—paints a stark picture of the harsh and unpredictable weather conditions currently impacting Himachal Pradesh. Authorities are urging tourists and residents to exercise extreme caution, stay informed about weather updates, and adhere to safety advisories issued by local and national agencies.
