Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Stranded Tourists in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley Shifted to Safer Places
As many as 81 tourists found themselves stranded in the picturesque Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by the stunning snow-covered landscapes, after heavy snowfall led to the closure of roads. The situation became dire as the roads were impassable due to the heavy snow, leaving the tourists stuck in the valley.
Tragic Incident on Shimla-Kinnaur Road
The situation took a devastating turn when an excavator operator, identified as Madan (27) from Kullu, lost his life while trying to clear a blocked stretch on the Shimla-Kinnaur road on national highway 5 at Negulsari in Kinnaur. Tragically, Madan was hit by shooting stones that fell on him, leading to his untimely demise.
Avalanche Warning Issued for Five Districts
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh, issued an avalanche warning for five districts in Himachal Pradesh – Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Shimla. The warning served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the heavy snowfall and inclement weather conditions in the region.
Roads Closed Across the State
Over 650 roads, including five national highways, in Himachal Pradesh remained closed for vehicular movement due to avalanches and landslides caused by incessant rain and snow over the past three days. This widespread closure severely impacted transportation and communication across the state.
Stranded Tourists Rescued and Accommodated
Despite the challenging conditions, authorities managed to rescue and shift the 81 stranded tourists in Spiti Valley to safer locations. The tourists were accommodated in various hotels and homestays in Lahaul and Spiti district, providing them with shelter and relief from the harsh weather.
Disruption in Essential Services
The heavy rain and snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti led to disruptions in essential services, with many areas experiencing power outages and a lack of cellular network coverage. About 290 roads were blocked in the tribal district, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the residents and tourists in the region.
Severe Weather Conditions Persist
The state continued to grapple with severe weather conditions, with high altitude and tribal areas receiving significant snowfall. Places like Koksar, Gondla, and Keylong recorded substantial snow accumulation, adding to the overall challenges posed by the inclement weather.
Impact on Infrastructure and Services
With a large number of roads closed and transformers out of order, Himachal Pradesh faced significant disruptions in infrastructure and services. The state emergency operation centre reported that 1,436 transformers were malfunctioning, and 124 water schemes had been disrupted, highlighting the extent of the impact of the adverse weather conditions.
Challenging Conditions Continue
As the cold wave persisted across the state, residents and authorities braced themselves for continued challenges posed by the harsh weather. The dip in temperatures, particularly in places like Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti, underscored the severity of the winter conditions in Himachal Pradesh.
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