Avalanche threat in Himachal

Due to heavy snowfall in the hills of Himachal Pradesh in the last few days, the state disaster management authority on Saturday issued an avalanche warning in some areas, especially in Chamba district.

"The people are advised not to venture out in avalanche-prone areas on Sunday and to stay indoors," an official from the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) said.

The authority has directed the district administration to take all precautionary measures keeping in view the possibilities of avalanches in the district.

A government spokesperson told IANS that the state government is fully prepared to meet any exigency.

He advised the locals and tourists not to venture out in the high hills of Shimla, Kullu, Sirmaur, Chamba and Kinnaur districts as chances of heavy snow and avalanches are high from March 8 to 9.

"Even the snow-bound areas near the tourist resort of Manali like Solang, Beas Kund, Nehru Kund, Gulaba and Marhi are avalanche-prone," he added.