SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRASDESH: Fresh snowfall in the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir on Christmas has brought both joy and chaos to the region.
While tourists have flocked to the snow-covered landscapes, the inclement weather has led to severe disruptions, including road closures, accidents, and power outages.
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Fatalities and injuries reported as snow causes accidents
The ongoing snowfall has also led to tragic consequences. At least four people have died in separate accidents in the past 24 hours, as vehicles skidded on icy roads.
Several others have sustained injuries due to accidents in the affected regions.
The State Emergency Operation Centre has reported that snow accumulation and freezing conditions have made many roads highly treacherous, especially in high-altitude areas.
Situations are very tough and uncontrollable after snowfall for vehicles pic.twitter.com/tw3y35VBeo
— Go Himachal (@GoHimachal_) December 10, 2024
The authorities are working diligently to clear roads and restore normalcy, employing 268 pieces of machinery, including snow blowers, to combat the snow buildup.
Despite the challenges, the snowfall has resulted in a significant increase in tourism, with hotel bookings in Shimla rising by 30%.
The scenic beauty of the snow-covered hills has drawn tourists in large numbers, and hotel occupancy in Shimla has surged to 70%.
However, the increased influx of visitors is putting further pressure on local infrastructure.
Heavy snowfall causes road closures and traffic disruptions
As the snowfall blanketed popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, and areas of Jammu & Kashmir, over 200 roads were closed due to the accumulation of snow and hazardous conditions.
Some parts of the region, including routes connecting Leh and Attari, severely affected the National Highways.
what went wrong ? pic.twitter.com/LX3azZHRZF
— Go Himachal (@GoHimachal_) December 24, 2024
In Shimla, authorities closed 145 roads, while Kullu and Mandi reported the closure of 25 and 20 road stretches, respectively.
Additionally, more than 500 vehicles became stranded near the Atal Tunnel, prompting rescue operations that continued late into Monday, December 23.
The heavy snow has also resulted in power outages, with over 350 transformers affected across the state, further complicating the situation for locals and tourists alike.
The situation remains critical in many areas, with authorities urging caution and advising travelers to check road conditions before venturing into snow-covered regions.
