Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Himachal Pradesh is grappling with heavy snowfall that has caused significant travel disruptions during the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Tragically, at least four lives have been lost in the past 24 hours due to adverse weather conditions. Despite the dangers, tourist interest remains high, with hotel occupancy in Shimla reaching 70%—a notable 30% increase compared to the same period last year.
The severe snowfall has led to the closure of 223 roads across the state, including three major national highways. Areas most affected include Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, and Sirmaur. Key routes such as the Attari-Leh Highway, Sanj-Aut in Kullu, and Khab Sangam in Kinnaur have been shut down, creating massive travel disruptions.
Rescue operations have been underway as tourists faced harrowing conditions. On Monday, approximately 500 vehicles were stranded near the Atal Tunnel, prompting swift action from the state disaster management team. Over 700 tourists were successfully rescued from snowstorm-hit areas in Manali.
Meanwhile, 145 roads in Shimla, 25 in Kullu, and 20 in Mandi remain closed. Power outages have compounded the situation, with 356 transformers reported to be non-functional across affected regions. To address the crisis, the Himachal government has deployed 268 machines, including two snow blowers, to clear roads and restore accessibility.
Authorities have urged tourists to adhere to local advisories an.