Heavy snowfall and rainfall have caused significant disruptions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. As of today, the state faces severe weather conditions, including blocked roads and power outages. The Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway is one of the most affected areas, with landslides and mountain debris blocking traffic.
Impact of Snowfall and Rain
According to the latest weather updates, Himachal Pradesh has experienced widespread snowfall and rain, leading to the closure of 583 roads. This includes five major National Highways, which are essential for transportation. In addition, 2,263 distribution transformers are down, causing widespread power disruptions across the state.
Himachal Pradesh: Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway Blockage
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning stating that the weather conditions will persist until March 4. The forecast predicts isolated to moderate rainfall and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and other North Indian states. Authorities are working around the clock to clear debris and restore power to affected areas.
In Uttarakhand, continuous rainfall has triggered landslides along the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway near Karnaprayag. This has caused further delays in traffic, with debris falling at multiple locations. Despite efforts to clear the highway, it remains closed. A major avalanche in Chamoli district earlier this week contributed to the situation.
Himachal Pradesh: Chief Minister
Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has urged people to avoid rivers and streams as the heavy rainfall poses a significant risk of flooding. Kullu district and other areas continue to experience intense weather conditions, with reports of debris at Animath and Pagal Nala. These regions are particularly vulnerable to further landslides.
India Meteorological Department’s Predictions
The IMD’s latest weather bulletin also predicts that a fresh western disturbance will affect parts of North India from March 2. This will bring more rain and snow, particularly to Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan today, with gusty winds across Haryana and Chandigarh.
The weather is expected to intensify with thunderstorms and lightning in several regions, including Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and northeastern states. Cyclonic conditions in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will bring more rainfall and hailstorms to these areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current weather disturbances are having a severe impact across multiple states. Authorities are on high alert, working to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of the public.
