The Hindu : Front Page : North India lashed by rain, snow

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 13, 2007
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North India lashed by rain, snow

SNOW ALL THE WAY: The scene in Srinagar on Monday. - PHOTO: NISSAR AHMAD.

NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed in most parts of North India on Monday following moderate to heavy rain in the region and snowfall in some States, throwing normal life out of gear.

The national Capital received more than 12 mm of rainfall, the weather office said.

Meteorological officials said two extra-tropical systems had formed over the north western and eastern regions that led to rainfall in most of North India.

Punjab and Haryana too received heavy rain reviving chill conditions.

Continuous snowfall in high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh since Sunday night and rainfall in the middle and low-lying areas intensified cold wave conditions across the State.

Moderate to heavy rain since Sunday night in Rajasthan also guided the mercury to a downward swing.

Five pilgrims on their way to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir were reported to have died due to cold, according to the police.

Intense cold conditions engulfed the Kashmir Valley following moderate to heavy snow in most parts.

Srinagar and adjoining areas experienced moderate to heavy snowfall since early Monday morning. The snowfall preceded incessant rain on Sunday.

Staff Correspondent in Shimla adds:

All high reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Kangra and Sirmaur districts have been experiencing heavy snowfall. Rohtang Pass, situated at over 13,050 feet, had recorded over 180 cm of fresh snow and Lahaul Spiti Deputy Commissioner R. Selvam has warned people not to venture out to cross the Pass due to the threat of avalanches.

Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul Spiti, had received over 90 cm of fresh snowfall, while Rekong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnuar district, had experiencing 60 cm of snow during the last 24 hours.

Vehicular traffic has been disrupted on the Chamba-Bharmaur, Chamba-Tissa and Chamba-Bairagarh roads due to heavy snow, official sources said, adding that water, power and telecommunications were affected.

The tourist resorts of Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda in Shimla district also experienced snow, while rain lashed Shimla town and other adjoining areas since Sunday night.The Hindustan-Tibet national highway was blocked beyond Shimla due to heavy now at Khara-Patthar, Narkanda and Kufri and vehicles bound for upper Shimla were diverted through Mashobra and Sunni.

The sky over Shimla and adjoining areas remained under a thick layer of clouds with gusts of cool icy winds blowing across the town, bringing the temperature down and forcing people to remain indoors.

Staff Reporter in New Delhi adds:

The Capital experienced persistent rain and strong winds throughout the day on Monday. With the chill in the air being extended for just that bit longer, people ventured out of home in shawls, sweaters and snug outfits to deal with the damp weather."Rain in the month of March is not totally unusual,'' said a Delhi Meteorological Department official, adding that the Capital received 25.3 mm of rainfall throughout March in 2006 and it was no different in March 2005 when it recorded 34.6 mm of rain.

While it may have been the perfect day to spend indoors, the wet beginning to the week ensured that those who ventured out to the road were stuck in traffic jams.

Meteorological Department has forecasting scattered showers on Tuesday

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