​Roads blocked, bridges washed away: Yellow alert issued in Himachal Pradesh due to snowfall and rain​

Heavy snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh have led to the closure of 104 roads and three national highways, causing significant disruptions in the region.

( Photo:PTI)

According to state emergency operation centre multiple roads, including those in Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, and Kangra, have been blocked, affecting transportation and connectivity. Furthermore, a bridge in Kangra was washed away due to heavy rain, prompting authorities to plan for the construction of a new bridge soon.

(Photo:ANI)

The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms with lightning in various parts of Himachal Pradesh on April 22 and 23, indicating potentially severe weather conditions that could impact daily activities.

(Photo: ANI)
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The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed men and machinery to clear the blockade and traffic to help commuters.

​Additionally, IMD's forecast for the upcoming southwest monsoon season suggests above-normal rainfall across the country, with estimates indicating a significant increase compared to the Long Period Average.

(Photo: PTI)
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_{​According to IMD's forecast, the seasonal June to September rainfall is expected to be above normal, with quantitative estimates indicating it could reach 106 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). The LPA for the period 1971-2020 stands at 87 cm.}

This happens amidst prevailing moderate El Nino conditions over the equatorial Pacific region. However, the latest projections from the Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) and other climate models suggest a weakening of the El Nino condition to neutral El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions in the early part of the monsoon season.

(Photo: PTI)
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