Weather chaning in plains of North India very quickly. Where Chandigarh had heavy rains-rest of the plains felt change in temp. rapidly. Evenings become little cold.

HEAVY SNOW FALL IN HIMACHAL

Heavy rains in most parts of the western Himalayan region and fresh snow on higher reaches of Kullu valley and Lahaul-Spiti have disrupted vehicular traffic on the 475-km-long Manali-Leh highway.

The 13,050-ft high Rohtang Pass - gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley - today experienced season’s second snowfall, while the lower region has been receiving heavy rainfall since last night causing sharp fall in temperature.

According to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) sources, due to fresh snowfall at Baralacha Pass and Rohtang Pass, vehicular traffic on the Manali-Sarchu Road has come to a stand still at Gulaba, Khoksar, Darcha, Bharatpur and Sarchu.

As a precautionary measure, district administration of Lahaul-Spiti has been informed regarding prevailing weather and road conditions in the region, sources added.

Vehicular traffic on the Manali-Kaza Road in Spiti valley has also been disrupted due to fresh snowfall at Kunzum Pass.

To add to the woes of the residents, unseasonal rains in Kullu valley have hampered cutting of grass for winter fodder for cattle.

KULLU: The Lahaul and Spiti district administration has taken emergency measures and alerted all police assistance posts due to heavy snowfall in the district today. In a press release, SP SR Rana has said the 16,000-foot high Baralacha Pass has received more than 40 cm snow while 13,050-foot Rohtang Pass and 13,000-foot Kunzum Pass have experienced more than 20 cm snow. All vehicles coming from Leh have been stopped at Sarchu while those coming from Khokhsar were stopped at Darcha. Traffic from Spiti was stopped at Losar and Gramphu. The SP, however, confirmed that all passengers were safe.

Due to fear of landslides in Lahaul area an alert has been announced to caution the locals and visitors. The police official further said people could contact police help desks on telephones 01900-222226, 222269 and 222223.

Meanwhile, incessant rains today again lashed Kullu district. Heavy land slides blocked the Aut-Luhari road. Zhibhi Khad in Banjar subdivision of the district had experienced unprecedented flood. No loss was reported till the filing of the story.

All flights were cancelled due to weather conditions.

Source: tribuneindia.com