New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Fresh snowfall blanketed the higher reaches of northern India on Thursday, forcing the closure of several roads, while heavy rain and gusty winds disrupted normal life in the plains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also announced the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the entire country as activity under the northeast monsoon continued in parts of southern India.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Mughal Road and several other routes were closed for clearance operations. Udhampur recorded the highest rainfall at 59.6 mm, followed by Poonch (39.5 mm), Samba and Shopian (34 mm each), Baramulla (29 mm) and Katra (23.1 mm). Srinagar received 12 mm of rain.
In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall was reported at Shinku La, Baralacha La, Kunzum La, Koksar, Jispa, Keylong and Gondla in Lahaul and Spiti, besides Sural and Sach Pass in Chamba. Sural received three inches of snow, while Sach Pass recorded around one foot. Roads from Rohtang Pass to Sarchu, Darcha to Shinku La and Gramphu to Batal were closed. Police evacuated around 100 vehicles stranded near Gondla. The snowfall has raised hopes of increased tourist arrivals, even as temperatures dropped in Manali and Dharamshala.
Heavy rain in Jammu triggered flashflood-like situations in several areas. In Uttarakhand, rain and cloudy skies prevailed, while thunderstorms were forecast in several districts. A man injured by falling rocks on the Kedarnath trekking route was discharged after preliminary treatment.
The IMD forecast isolated heavy rainfall across parts of south peninsular India until October 21 with the onset of the northeast monsoon. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka and Kerala witnessed monsoon activity.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.