Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Severe Weather: Avalanche Strikes Near Atal Tunnel
Multiple regions across Himachal Pradesh experienced significant weather disruptions over the weekend, with moderate to heavy rainfall in low and mid-hill areas and light snowfall persisting in the upper reaches. The situation escalated on Sunday when an avalanche struck near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, though fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported.
Widespread Rainfall and Snowfall Across Districts
According to meteorological reports, rainfall was recorded in several key districts including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. Simultaneously, high-altitude areas and mountain passes received fresh snowfall, adding to the existing winter accumulation. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Lahaul Spiti confirmed that 145 roads remained blocked in the district due to the adverse conditions.
Major road closures included:
- Koksar to Rohtang Pass
- Darcha to Shinkula Pass
- Lossar to Batal
Avalanche Incident and Precautionary Measures
The avalanche near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel prompted immediate action from local authorities. The Lahaul Spiti administration has enforced restrictions on tourist movement and commercial activities in avalanche-prone zones surrounding the tunnel to ensure public safety. This proactive measure aims to prevent any potential incidents as the region continues to face unstable weather patterns.
Record Rainfall and Temperature Extremes
Data from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla reveals that Himachal Pradesh recorded an average rainfall of 10.7 mm by 8:30 AM on Sunday, which is a staggering 256% above the normal level of 3 mm. Furthermore, between April 1 and 5, the state accumulated a total rainfall of 21.9 mm, exceeding the normal 10.1 mm by 117%.
Temperature readings on Sunday highlighted stark contrasts across the region:
- Tabo recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 0.2 degrees Celsius.
- Una experienced the highest maximum temperature, reaching 34 degrees Celsius.
Ongoing Weather Predictions and Alerts
The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued light snow and rain in various parts of Himachal Pradesh for Monday. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms and gusty winds expected on April 6, urging residents and travelers to exercise caution. These warnings underscore the persistent weather challenges facing the state, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to mitigate risks and ensure community safety.
