DRDO Issues Orange Avalanche Warning for High-Altitude Himachal Districts
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), a premier unit under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has escalated its warnings by issuing an orange alert for avalanches in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh. This critical advisory was released on Monday, highlighting significant risks in the state's mountainous terrain.
Danger Level 3 Avalanche Conditions Declared
Based in Chandigarh, the DGRE has specifically flagged 'Danger Level 3' avalanche conditions across areas situated above 3,000 metres in four key districts: Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur. This classification indicates a 'Considerable' level of risk, where deep and unstable snow layers are prevalent on numerous slopes, creating a high potential for large-scale avalanches.
According to the detailed DGRE avalanche advisory, Level 3 conditions also raise the likelihood of airborne avalanches. In response, the agency has strongly recommended that local administrative bodies suspend all movement on snow-loaded slopes and initiate the evacuation of settlements that lack adequate protection.
Recent Avalanche Incident and Ongoing Disruptions
This alert follows a recent avalanche event that occurred on January 28 in the Bharmour region of Chamba district. The avalanche struck a rivulet in Poolan panchayat, resulting in two vehicles and three shops being swept away, underscoring the tangible threats posed by such natural occurrences.
Simultaneously, the region continues to grapple with severe disruptions caused by heavy snowfall. In Lahaul-Spiti district alone, a staggering 272 roads remained blocked on Monday. This includes 140 roads in the Spiti sub-division and 134 in the Lahaul sub-division. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) reported that 54 distribution transformer regions (DTRs) were also disrupted, leading to power supply issues in several areas.
Kullu district is facing similar challenges, with 77 roads blocked, the highest concentration being 37 in the Nirmand sub-division. Additionally, 87 DTRs in Kullu are non-functional, further compounding the infrastructural strain.
Extreme Weather Conditions Persist
Adding to the concerns, Tabo recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, plummeting to -7.9°C. This extreme cold, combined with the heavy snow accumulation, exacerbates the avalanche risks and complicates relief and restoration efforts across the affected districts.
The coordinated warnings from DGRE and the ongoing road and power disruptions highlight the critical need for heightened preparedness and caution among residents and authorities in these vulnerable high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh.
