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Heavy Snowfall Strands 1000+ Vehicles Near Atal Tunnel, BRO Launches Op

Heavy snowfall at the Atal Tunnel in Manali and upper Kullu district has stranded more than a thousand vehicles, prompting a large-scale police rescue operation. The Border Roads Organisation has launched a snow clearance operation at the tunnel's south portal. The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla and Kalpa, have also received fresh snowfall, with thunderstorms reported in several areas. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for March 18-19, warning of hailstorms and thunderstorms across multiple districts as a new western disturbance approaches.

Key Points: Snowfall Strands Vehicles at Atal Tunnel, BRO Rescue Op Underway

  • Over 1000 vehicles stranded
  • BRO snow clearance operation underway
  • Police conducting rescue for hours
  • IMD issues Orange Alert for hail & thunderstorm
2 min read

Himachal: BRO snow clearance Op underway in Manali

Heavy snowfall near Manali's Atal Tunnel strands over 1000 vehicles. BRO launches snow clearance, police conduct rescue. IMD issues Orange Alert.

"Since yesterday afternoon, there has been heavy snowfall... BRO's operation is being enforced - Anurag Chand Sharma"

Manali, March 17

Border Roads Organisation snow clearance operation is underway at the South Portal following heavy snowfall at the Atal Tunnel in Manali and the upper reaches of Kullu district since Monday afternoon, an official said.

"Since yesterday afternoon, there has been heavy snowfall at Atal Tunnel in Manali and the upper reaches of the district, and since yesterday itself, BRO's operation is being enforced at the south portal of the tunnel," Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Anurag Chand Sharma, told ANI.

More than a thousand vehicles are stranded near the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel in Manali due to sudden snowfall, resulting in large-scale police deployment to conduct rescue operations for the past three hours, the police said on Sunday.

Mountains and houses were covered in a blanket of snow after Manali received snowfall.

Higher reaches of the state also witnessed fresh snowfall. Khadrala in Shimla district recorded about 10.2 cm snowfall, Kalpa 6.4 cm, Gondhla and Jot about 3 cm each, while Kukumseri recorded 1.5 cm snowfall.

Thunderstorm and lightning activity was reported in several areas, including Shimla, Kufri, Jubberhatti, Kangra and Sundernagar, while a hailstorm was reported in the Shimla district.

According to the IMD, the new western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of March 17, and its impact will be seen in Himachal Pradesh between March 18 and March 21.

The IMD has also issued an Orange Alert for March 18 and 19 for hailstorm and thunderstorm activity in several districts, including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Sirmaur.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is why we must check weather forecasts before heading to the hills, especially in March. A thousand vehicles stranded is a huge logistical challenge for the authorities. Praying for everyone's safety.
R
Rohit P
The orange alert is concerning. Himachal's weather can change in minutes. BRO does fantastic work, but maybe there needs to be better real-time communication to tourists about road closures to prevent such large-scale strandings.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from Canada and I'm amazed by the scale of this operation. Back home we have similar challenges. Hats off to the police and BRO teams working through the snow and hail. The photos must be stunning, though!
V
Vikram M
This late-season snowfall shows how unpredictable our climate is becoming. Important for the state disaster management to be on high alert for the next few days. Hope the locals in the upper reaches are safe and warm.
K
Karthik V
The Atal Tunnel is an engineering marvel, but nature always reminds us who's boss. Respect. BRO's snow clearance ops are no joke. Jai Hind to our frontline road workers! 🚧

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