The weather has once again taken a turn in Manali and its surrounding mountains. Tourists were arriving with great expectations to see the Atal Tunnel, where sudden heavy snowfall increased their problems. The situation is such that due to snow, about a thousand vehicles got stuck near the South Portal, to free them the Manali Police and BRO team had to use all their strength.
Actually, everything was normal in the tourist city Manali till this afternoon, but suddenly Season The mood changed and heavy snowfall started in the higher altitude areas. A large number of tourists had set out to visit Lahaul Valley and Atal Tunnel during the day, but they had no idea that the weather would betray them so soon. By evening, snowfall in Atal Tunnel and surrounding areas became so intense that suddenly the roads became slippery, due to which more than 1000 vehicles got stuck in the snow.
As soon as the police got information about this situation, the administration immediately came into action. For the last several hours, a rescue operation is being carried out at the spot, where police and BRO personnel are standing in the extreme cold. One by one they are busy sending the stranded vehicles safely towards Manali.
Strictness of rescue work and administration
Manali DSP D Sharma said that due to this sudden heavy snowfall, there has been a long jam of vehicles near the South Portal. Now BRO machines are being used to remove snow from the roads. To reduce slipping, the administration has also planned to sprinkle soil and urea fertilizer on the road, so that the tires of the vehicles can get grip and the movement can be safe.
The administration has now taken some strict steps from security point of view. Currently, there is a ban on the movement of two-wheelers and ordinary vehicles beyond Solanganala. Only four wheel drive vehicles are being allowed to proceed with caution. Along with this, the police has appealed to the tourists and local people not to go to high altitude areas unnecessarily during bad weather.
This snowfall, which occurred after the weather remained clear for about three days, has increased the cold in the entire Himachal. Apart from Atal Tunnel, snow has been falling in higher areas like Sissu, Koksar, Rohtang Pass and Baralacha since morning. The situation is no different in Uttarakhand too, snowfall has started in Kedarnath Dham and the famous tourist spot Chopta, due to which the temperature in the hilly and low-lying areas has dropped considerably.
Red alert for the coming days
According to the Meteorological Department, at present there seems to be little chance of getting relief. The department has predicted rain in many parts of Himachal on March 15 and 16. On March 17, snowfall may continue in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Shimla.
Not only this, the weather pattern is going to deteriorate in other states of the country also. ‘Red warning’ has been issued for districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong of West Bengal, where there is a possibility of winds blowing at a speed of 40 to 60 kilometers and hailstorm. Along with this, ‘Orange Alert’ has also been issued for states like Assam, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Sikkim and people have been asked to be cautious.
—- End —-
Source link
[ad_3]
