Severe Weather Conditions in Himachal Pradesh: Roads Blocked, Power and Water Supply Disrupted.
Heavy snowfall and torrential rains cause widespread disruptions across multiple districts.

Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by heavy snowfall and torrential rains, leading to massive disruptions in road networks, power supply, and water supply services. Multiple districts have reported road blockages, power outages, and damage to water supply schemes due to the adverse weather conditions.

Road Blockages and Traffic Disruptions
- Chamba District: A total of 125 roads were closed across multiple subdivisions, with the highest number of blockages reported in the Sub Division of Pangi (78) and Tissa (54). Snowfall has led to the closure of major roads, including NH-03, and the situation remains critical with continued snow accumulation in the region.
- Kangra District: Two roads were blocked in the Baijnath subdivision, specifically the Multhan to Lohardi and Multhan to Badagran routes. While these roads are temporarily closed due to the weather, traffic is expected to resume once conditions improve.
- Kinnaur District: A total of 76 roads were closed due to heavy snowfall, including national highways. The district saw substantial snowfall in the Kalpa (164) and Nichar (123) subdivisions, affecting road access to key areas. National Highway 5 was also closed for traffic.
- Kullu District: Kullu district faced extensive damage with 112 roads being blocked. Roads to Rohtang Pass (NH-03) and Jalori Pass (NH-305) were closed due to heavy snowfall. The road from Manali to Atal Tunnel and several roads in Sub Division Banjar were also disrupted. The district continues to face severe disruptions with no clear timeline for reopening many of these roads.
- Lahaul & Spiti District: Lahaul and Spiti reported 165 roads closed, including NH-03 and NH-505. Snowfall has rendered access difficult to many vital routes, with areas like Rohtang Pass, Sarchu, Gramphu, and Lossar completely shut off. Snow accumulations have reached up to six feet, making road clearance a priority for authorities.
- Mandi District: Mandi reported 27 road blockages, including the major NH-21 at Banala near the Jalogi Tunnel, which has caused significant traffic delays. In addition, various power outages affected the district, including major subdivisions like Karsog and Padhar.
- Shimla District: In Shimla, 40 roads were closed due to snow, particularly affecting the Sub Divisions of Kotkhai, Jubbal, and Rampur. Landslides and snow accumulation have led to road blockages, severely affecting daily life in rural areas.
- Sirmaur, Solan, and Una Districts: While Sirmaur, Solan, and Una saw fewer road blockages, major disruptions were reported in the form of traffic suspension due to road upgrades and ongoing construction projects. In Una, several roads were closed for extended periods due to work under the PMGSY scheme, affecting local traffic routes.
Power Supply Disruptions
Power outages have been widespread, with a total of 2,263 disrupted DTRs (Distribution Transformer Units) across the state. The worst-hit districts include:
- Kullu District: 975 transformers were disrupted, primarily due to high winds and heavy snowfall, with 729 transformers affected in Manali alone.
- Lahaul & Spiti District: 55 transformers were downed, plunging large parts of the district into darkness. Power restoration efforts are ongoing, but the severity of the weather has slowed down the progress.
- Mandi District: 571 transformers were disrupted, severely impacting rural and remote areas, particularly in the Thalout and Karsog subdivisions. This has caused widespread darkness and disruption of services.
- Shimla District: 42 transformers were disrupted, with the Rampur and Dodra Kawar subdivisions facing the most severe outages.
Water Supply Disruptions
Water supply systems have also been impacted, with 279 water supply schemes disrupted across various districts due to the adverse weather:
- Kullu District: Despite the extensive power and road disruptions, no major water supply issues were reported.
- Mandi District: Several water supply schemes were also affected, with a total of 571 transformers disrupted, and reports suggest difficulties in restoring water supplies in the affected areas.
- Chamba and Kinnaur Districts: No significant water supply issues have been reported as of yet, but authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Local Authorities Respond
Local authorities across Himachal Pradesh have been working tirelessly to clear blocked roads and restore power and water supply. The District Magistrates have issued advisories for the public to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions, and emergency services are on high alert.
In response to the worsening conditions, educational institutions across several districts have been closed, including Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, and Shimla, as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
Residents have been urged to stay updated on road conditions, avoid crossing flooded areas, and stay away from the Beas River and other water streams where water levels have risen dramatically.
As efforts continue to clear the roads, restore power, and ensure the safety of residents and tourists, the weather situation in Himachal Pradesh remains critical, with more snow expected in the coming days.