Avalanche Strikes Gue Region in Lahaul and Spiti, No Casualties Reported; Road and Power Disruptions Continue. 

Kaza:

An avalanche struck the Gue region in the Kaza Sub-Division of Lahaul and Spiti district on Saturday, creating a moment of intense concern but, fortunately, no casualties were reported. The incident occurred while Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel were engaged in snow clearance operations. The avalanche, which descended with tremendous force, stopped just 200 feet away from the ITBP camp, preventing any damage to the camp or injuries to the personnel stationed there.

According to an ITBP officer in Gue, the quick response and safety measures in place were crucial in ensuring the safety of all involved. The disaster could have been much worse, but due to the strategic positioning of the ITBP camp and the prompt action taken by the personnel, no harm was caused. Authorities confirmed that the situation was quickly brought under control, and no further threats from the avalanche are expected at this time. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Lahaul and Spiti is closely monitoring the region to ensure any additional risks are promptly addressed.

While the avalanche itself was contained without casualties, the region has faced other challenges in the wake of heavy snowfall. The recent weather has caused significant disruptions, with the vital Manali-Leh highway between Manali and Keylong being blocked for the past three days, effectively isolating the residents of Lahaul valley from the rest of Himachal Pradesh. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has worked diligently to restore road access, successfully clearing the Kaza-Sumdo and Tandi-Jispa roads for 4×4 vehicles. However, efforts are still ongoing to clear the Manali-Leh highway to allow for regular traffic flow.

Additionally, the severe weather conditions have caused power supply disruptions across major parts of the Lahaul region. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board is working around the clock to restore power services to affected areas.

Despite these challenges, local authorities and emergency response teams continue to coordinate recovery efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and personnel in the region. The situation remains under constant surveillance, and officials are taking all necessary steps to mitigate further disruptions.