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Jan 2005
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Himachal declares snowfall red alert

Children revelling in snow in Kullu on Tuesday. Thousands are thronging to this scenic valley to enjoy snowfall

    Manali: The Himachal Pradesh government has sounded a red alert across the state following a warning of heavy snowfall over the next two days by the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) in Manali. "They (Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment) have alerted us that on the 22nd and the 23rd of January there is a likelihood of heavy snowfall in the area. For that, the administration should take precautions," said Rameshwar Sharma, the sub-divisional magistrate of Manali. Sharma confirmed that an announcement had made through a public address system in Manali, Palchang, Gulaba, Solang and other areas. Warnings had also been issued to people to avoid the higher reaches over the next 72 hours. Raghubir Sood, the general secretary of the Hotel Association of Manali, said they have advised tourists staying in the resorts not to go beyond Manali and other upper reaches during the period. "We have, particularly to the tourists, advised them not to venture out to snow points or other high altitude areas in a bid to avert any mishap," said Sood.

    Heavy snowfall was reported in Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur and Pangi Valleys. The 13,050-feet Rohtang pass, Kunzam pass and other passes in the tribal areas have also been experiencing heavy snowfall since last night. The whole of north India has been gripped by a major spell of cold wave after the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh receieved heavy snowfall. The upper reaches of Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti received 10 to 15 cms of snow, while Narkanda and Kufri are already under a thick blanket of snow. The Indo-Tibetan National Highway has also been completely blocked by the heavy snowfall.
- Jan 22, 2005

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