Light to moderate snowfall in the middle hills…
On Saturday, 28 December 2024, the Himachal Pradesh Police evacuated 10,000 stranded tourists safely from Solang Valley, which had been reeling under heavy snowfall since Friday (December 27). Around 2,000 vehicles were trapped in the area, with only 100 cars remaining, as their drivers were not there.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police in Manali stated that the remaining vehicles were kept on the roads and will be removed once the weather conditions get normal.
Solang Valley area is now off-limits to tourists due to the hazardous conditions, and vehicles are allowed only up to Nehru Kund.
Meanwhile, the Atal Tunnel has been inaccessible for the past week owing to heavy snow. Long queues of vehicles, some stretching up to 15 kilometers, have caused delays of 3-4 hours, leaving tourists frustrated. A few vehicles have reportedly slipped off the icy roads, making the situation even more dangerous.
Manali has seen hotel occupancy rates surge to 60-70 percent, with most accommodations fully booked by December 25.
The region has been issued a weather warning, with the Western Disturbance bringing more snowfall over the next 48 hours. The meteorological department has predicted light to moderate snowfall in the middle hills of Himachal Pradesh on December 28 and 29.
Edited By: Tanvi Walia
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