Snowfall, rains disrupt normal life in Himachal Pradesh

Intermittent rains and heavy snowfall accompanied by high velocity winds in different parts of Himachal Pradesh today disrupted normal life and vehicular traffic in the region.
Hindustan-Tibet National Highway was closed beyond Dhalli and traffic to Rampur was being routed via Basantpur-Kingal road while the Manali-Rohtang-Leh Highway was closed for traffic beyond Manali.
The major highways connecting Shimla with Jubbal, Kharapatthar, Narkanda, Chopal, Nerwa and Jalori Jot were closed due to heavy snowfall and efforts were afoot to clear the roads.
Avalanche threat loomed large over high altitude areas and a house was badly damaged in Yula village in Kinnaur.

Deputy Commissioner, J M Pathania has advised people to stay indoors.
Kullu, Shamshi, Kotkhai, Jubbal , Kandwari and lower hills also received first snowfall of the season while Dhauladhar and Churdhar ranges are experiencing intermittent snowfall since yesterday.

Narkanda received 45 cm of snow while Jalori jot and Chitkul received 90 cm of snow followed Sangla 60 cm and Rekong Peo 30 cm.
The key tourist resort of Manali received 50 cm of snow while Mari, Solang and Rohtang Pass had 80 cm, 75 cm, 120 cm of snow while Keylong and Koksar received 90 cm of fresh snow.
Bharmaur recorded 53 cm of snow while Morang, Sarahan and Mashobra had 30 cm, 35 cm and 10 cm of snow.

Jogindernagar was drenched with 90 mm rains while Mehre, Gohar and Bajaura recorded 70 mm, 65 mm and 60 mm of rains, followed by Karsog 56 mm, Dharamshala 52 mm, Shimla and Solan also received 22 mm and 31 mm of rains, further intensifying the cold wave.
The minimum temperatures dropped by two to three degrees while maximum temperatures plummeted four to six degrees and Shimla, Sundernagar and Bhuntar recorded a high of 6.1 degree, 11.2 degree and 6.5 degree.
The maximum temperature dropped to 1.5 degree, while Solan and Nahaan recorded a high of 10.5 degree and 14.1 degree C, eight to ten degree below normal.

The local Met office has predicted relief from rain and snow from February 9.