## Avalanche Strikes Near Atal Tunnel, Manali-Keylong Road Blocked
### Multiple Locations Affected
An avalanche has recently surged through three separate areas near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, leading to the blockage of the vital Manali-Keylong road. This incident has left numerous taxis stranded, creating significant disruptions for both passengers and drivers. Fortunately, the drivers were able to vacate their vehicles before the snow engulfed them, and thankfully, no casualties have been reported.
Efforts are currently underway by the personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to retrieve the vehicles that have been buried under the snow.
### Weather Warnings and Forecasts
In light of this incident, the Meteorological Department has issued a new bulletin predicting light snowfall in several districts, including Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur. This forecast comes after a prior orange alert was issued by a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, signaling the potential for avalanches in the higher elevations of Himachal Pradesh.
### Avalanche Danger Level
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment has classified the avalanche risk as “Danger Level 3” for areas above 3,000 meters in the districts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur. This level indicates a substantial avalanche threat, marked by unstable and deep snow on various slopes, raising the likelihood of large avalanches occurring. The advisory strongly recommends that local authorities halt activities on snow-laden slopes and evacuate any unprotected settlements that may be in danger.
### Recent Avalanche Incidents
This latest avalanche warning follows a significant incident that occurred on January 28 in the remote Bharmour region of Chamba district, where heavy snowfall led to the overflow of a rivulet, sweeping away two vehicles and three shops. Such events raise concerns about the safety and preparedness of local communities in avalanche-prone areas.
### Road Conditions and Traffic Disruptions
Unfortunately, the aftermath of the recent heavy snowfall has been severe, with many roads in the Lahaul-Spiti area remaining closed. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, as of January 29, a total of 655 roads—three of which are national highways—are still blocked across Himachal Pradesh due to snow accumulation, severely impacting transportation and connectivity across the state. Specifically, 287 roads, including crucial routes such as NH 03 (Leh-Manali) and NH 505 (Kaza-Gramphu), are impassable in Lahaul and Spiti.
In addition, traffic disruptions extend to other districts, with 135 roads blocked in Shimla, 81—including NH 305 (Aut-Luhri-Sainj)—in Kullu, and additional closures reported in Mandi, Chamba, Kinnaur, Sirmour, Una, and Kangra.
### Precautionary Measures
Given the precarious snow conditions and continuing forecasts of more snowfall, it is essential for residents and travelers in these areas to stay informed and heed local warnings. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of caution in moving about winter landscapes, especially in regions prone to avalanches.
As the community grapples with the challenges posed by severe weather, coordination between local agencies and residents will be crucial in ensuring safety and facilitating recovery efforts in the aftermath of these weather-related events.
