Officials reported that more than 1,000 vehicles became stranded near the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel due to unexpected heavy snowfall in Manali and the upper areas of Kullu district, leading to a major rescue and snow removal effort.
According to a report by news agency ANI on Tuesday, significant snowfall has been affecting traffic at the tunnel since Monday afternoon, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is currently conducting snow removal operations at the South Portal.
Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Anurag Chand Sharma, stated that heavy snowfall has been occurring at the Atal Tunnel in Manali and the higher areas of the district since yesterday afternoon, and the BRO has been conducting operations at the tunnel's south portal since then.
Officers stationed to maintain security and provide assistance
Manali and its neighboring regions were enveloped in new snow, coating homes and mountains, with elevated areas throughout the state also experiencing snowfall.
Khadrala in Shimla district recorded 10.2 cm, Kalpa saw 6.4 cm, Gondhla and Jot each received approximately 3 cm, and Kukumseri had 1.5 cm.
Several regions, such as Shimla, Kufri, Jubberhatti, Kangra, and Sundernagar, experienced thunderstorms and lightning, while some areas in Shimla district also encountered hailstorms.
The IMD reports that a new western disturbance is anticipated to affect northwest India starting the night of March 17, with its impact expected in Himachal Pradesh from March 18 to March 21.
A warning of hailstorms and thunderstorms has been issued as an Orange Alert for March 18 and 19, affecting districts such as Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur.
Visitors are also stuck in surrounding regions
Dhanraj, a taxi driver, mentioned that he and some colleagues arrived at the Atal Tunnel to help after hearing reports of tourists being stuck, according to PTI.
He mentioned that tourists have been evacuated using 4x4 vehicles, and noted that the majority of those who were stranded have now been safely relocated from the region.
Prem Lal, a driver who is stranded, mentioned, "We have been stuck here since Saturday night and are now slowly being relocated to Manali. There is no provision for food or drinking water."
A traveler mentioned that social organizations operating in Sissu supplied him with food.
Amit, a traveler, mentioned, "We departed from Manali heading to Keylong on Saturday when the snowfall was mild. However, on our way back, the snowfall became much heavier, leaving us stranded here since Sunday evening. Fortunately, vehicles are now being evacuated from the area."
