Una sizzles at 42.6℃ as HP continues to battle heat wave conditions

Shimla: Heat wave conditions persisted in parts of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with Una being the hottest in the state at 42.6℃.According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, the maximum temperatures remained 2 to 4℃ above normal at many places across the state.Neri in Hamirpur recorded a maximum of 39℃, Sundernagar 37.9℃ and Mandi 37.4℃. Among the tourist destinations, Shimla recorded a maximum of 27℃ -- 1.2 degrees above normal, while Manali registered a maximum of 27.4℃ -- 2.1 degrees above normal.At 2.5℃, Keylong in Lahaul Spiti was the coldest in the state.The weather department has forecast dry weather over Himachal Pradesh on May 27. It also issued a heat wave warning for isolated places. However, a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from May 28, and there are chances of thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds at isolated places.Hailstorm activity has also been predicted at isolated locations on May 28 and 29.Landslide disrupts Sansari-Tindi road (Box)A landslide struck near Jahlama bridge, blocking the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tindi (SKTT) route Tuesday morning, triggering a major traffic jam on both sides of the road for hours.The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched a clearance operation soon after the incident and deployed men and machinery to remove the debris. After a few hours of restoration work, the road was reopened for vehicular traffic.The Lahaul-Spiti district administration imposed a nighttime restriction on vehicular movement on the SKTT road, which connects the Lahaul region with the Pangi area of Chamba district, after cracks developed on the hillside and shooting stones were reported near the Jahlama bridge.According to an order issued by the Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner, Kiran Bhadana, the BRO informed the administration that the stretch near Jahlama bridge, towards the Tandi side, had become unsafe for commuters due to fresh cracks on the rock face and unstable road conditions.In view of public safety, all vehicular movement on the affected stretch has been prohibited during night hours from 7 pm to 7 am until further orders, stated the DC, adding that restoration and road clearance work was currently underway.MSID:: 131330039 413 |