State records 508% percent excess rain and snowfall since March 1
Heavy snowfall in Rashel village, Lahaul Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. Photo: Rohit Prashar Following an extended dry period, Himachal Pradesh has experienced substantial snowfall and rain over the past four days. Tribal districts Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti recorded more than three feet of snowfall from March 1 to 3, 2024, leading to significant challenges for the local residents.
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Lahaul and Spiti district witnessed snowfall that exceeded 530 per cent of the average amount. Under normal conditions, Lahaul Spiti usually receives 20.8 centimetres of snowfall and rain, but this time, more than 131 centimetres of snowfall was recorded during this period.
Moreover, Lahaul and Spiti saw 700 per cent excess snowfall and rain compared to its average, while Chamba district recorded 516 per cent excess snowfall and rainfall.
Himachal Pradesh overall recorded 508 per cent excess rain and snowfall and incidents of avalanche were reported in several districts in the state.
The flow of the Chenab River was halted for more than 15 hours due to an avalanche that occurred two days ago near Dara Falls in Jasrath village, Lahaul Spiti. As a result, the people living in the river's lower reaches maintained a state of panic. Due to heavy snowfall, an avalanche hit 5 vehicles in Solanganala, a tourist destination in Manali, and damaged 5 shops near Tandi bridge. Lahaul Valley is completely cut off from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall.
According to disaster management data, the sudden snowfall and rain affected 652 roads, 1,749 transformers and 78 water projects in the state. Due to the heavy snowfall and rainfall, the deputy commissioner of Lahaul Spiti district declared a holiday for government and educational institutions on March 4, 2024. Additionally, residents were advised against leaving their homes unnecessarily.
Meteorologist Rajesh Singh Rana told this reporter that having excess snowfall and rainfall at the same time is unusual. The state experienced this phenomenon as a result of the convergence of an active western disturbance, moist winds from the Arabian Sea, and winds from Punjab and Rajasthan.
The western disturbance is expected to resume activity in the next 2-3 days, bringing the possibility of more rain and snowfall to the state, according to the IMD.
According to Vipin Negi, a resident of Sangla, Kinnaur, this amount of snowfall is unusual for March. “The entire area's water and electricity systems have collapsed as a result of the sudden snowfall. Apart from this, people are also facing problems in accessing health facilities,” he said.
Lahaul and Spiti have not witnessed good snowfall since 2018-19, said resident Sham Azad. “We faced many issues because of this. The farmers and orchardists are happy because of the rainfall and snow. There will be no shortage of water during the summer, and good yields can be achieved,” he said.
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