Lahaul and Spiti: Travel advisory issued due to avalanche threat

As per the latest news reports, the Lahaul and Spiti police have issued a cautionary advisory, urging people to steer clear of the Chandra River due to recent adverse weather conditions. Additionally, they have released an avalanche advisory advising against traversing steep slopes and urging heightened vigilance in snowy regions.

The police stated that the Chandra River's water flow, previously obstructed by an avalanche triggered by recent snowfall and rainfall, has been restored, resulting in elevated water levels. Therefore, it is strongly advised for individuals to refrain from approaching the river.
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In light of the prevailing weather conditions, commuters are advised to exercise prudence while travelling through snow-covered areas, where the risk of avalanches remains significant. The advisory also stresses the importance of avoiding steep inclines, maintaining awareness of potential hazards, staying informed about weather forecasts, and remaining vigilant in snowy locales.
If reports are to go by, the adverse weather situation has prompted closure of 112 roads, including three national highways, across Himachal Pradesh, with the majority of closures concentrated in the Lahaul and Spiti district. While higher elevations and tribal territories have experienced light snowfall, the mid and lower regions have witnessed intermittent rainfall over the past 24 hours.

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According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, Hansa and Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti have recorded 5 cm and 2 cm of snowfall, respectively. Notable rainfall measurements include Kothi with 63 mm, Chamba with 41 mm, Manali with 35 mm, Jot with 31 mm, Dalhousie with 28 mm, Keylong with 22 mm, Kasol with 19 mm, and Kangra with 17 mm.

In response to the weather forecast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate rainfall, snowfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across several northern regions, including Himachal Pradesh, from Tuesday onwards. This outlook is attributed to a fresh western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and Kashmir.

Furthermore, an orange alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh, with thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds anticipated in isolated areas from April 18-21. These weather conditions underscore the importance of exercising caution and adhering to safety advisories, particularly in mountainous regions prone to avalanches and adverse weather phenomena.