Heavy snowfall over the past 48 hours has crippled life in Manali, blocking national highways and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded. Vehicles remain stuck in traffic jams stretching 7–8 km, forcing many to trek 10–20 km through deep snow without food or water. Authorities are working to clear roads and rescue travelers.
Key Highlights
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Snowfall Impact: Continuous accumulation of nearly 1–2 feet of snow has paralyzed Manali.
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Tourists Stranded: Hundreds of visitors are stuck on the National Highway, with traffic jams stretching several kilometers.
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Difficult Conditions: Dangerous black ice has halted traffic, forcing tourists to walk long distances carrying luggage.
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Exhausting Journeys: Families, children, and elderly passengers faced extreme hardship trekking 10–20 km in freezing temperatures.
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Rescue Efforts: Authorities are deploying snow-clearing machines and emergency teams to restore connectivity.
Life at a Standstill
Manali, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular hill stations, has been brought to a halt by relentless snowfall. The disruption has left tourists stranded in freezing conditions, with many abandoning vehicles to trek for shelter. The situation is worsened by a lack of food, water, and basic facilities along the highway.
Outlook
Officials have assured that road-clearing operations are underway, but recovery may take time given the scale of snow accumulation. The incident highlights the vulnerability of hill stations during peak winter and the urgent need for better preparedness and infrastructure resilience to safeguard tourists and residents alike.
Sources: Economic Times, Republic World, ANI, PTI