Manali and Solang Valley of Himachal Pradesh always remain the center of attraction for tourists during the winter season. This year also a large number of tourists have come to enjoy these snowy valleys. However, this time heavy snowfall has created problems for the tourists. Heavy snowfall has left more than 1,800 vehicles stuck on the roads, leaving thousands of tourists stranded amid the snow.
Tourist troubles: warning on social media
Many videos and pictures of stranded tourists are going viral on social media. One of these Instagram users, Chlucky Tyagi, has warned other travelers by sharing pictures and videos from Solang Valley.
- Tyagi wrote in his post:
“No one should come to Manali and Solang Valley.”In this video filmed in the dark, long queues of vehicles stuck on Solang Valley and Atal Tunnel route are visible. He told that they have been stuck on the road since 10 am and there is no idea of traffic opening yet.
- The condition of social administration is also in bad shape:
Tyagi told that the vehicle of Traffic Sub Divisional Magistrate is also stuck in the jam. In such a situation, the local administration is also struggling to handle the situation.
Thousands of tourists were saved
Due to heavy snowfall, life has come to a standstill in many parts of Himachal Pradesh.
- Major Barriers:
- 433 roads have been closed in the entire state including three national highways.
- Traffic has been disrupted due to snowfall in areas like Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Shimla.
- On Friday night, 10,000 tourists stranded in about 2,000 vehicles were safely evacuated to Manali from Solanganala.
- relief work:
- Two people were rescued safely from Tindi in Lahaul.
- About 50 tourists have been safely accommodated in hotels and homestays in areas like Sissu and Shashin Nursery.
State’s situation due to snowfall
Heavy snowfall in the last 24 hours has covered the hilly areas of Himachal with a white sheet.
- Major districts affected:
- Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra.
- Rain and cold affected life in the capital Shimla and Dharamshala.
- Change of weather:
After a dry period of three months, Himachal received heavy rain and snowfall on Saturday. Due to fresh snowfall on Sunday, huge crowd of tourists headed towards the hilly areas, causing traffic jams and slow movement of vehicles.
Safety tips and advice
Tourists and locals are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Administration and local people say that everyone should be cautious considering the weather conditions.
