Thousands of Tourists Stranded Overnight in Himachal Pradesh’s Atal Tunnel Due to Heavy Snowfall

Numerous tourists found themselves stuck overnight in the Atal Tunnel and surrounding regions of Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, as intense snowfall began on Sunday evening. The severe weather conditions prompted immediate rescue efforts involving local police and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). In a parallel incident, the Army conducted an operation to assist 235 civilians trapped at Sinthan Top, a mountain pass in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, which experienced similar weather disruptions.

On Sunday night, over 1,000 vehicles became immobilized within the vicinity of the Atal Tunnel due to impassable road conditions. Snowfall accumulation exceeded two feet in the area, effectively blocking access routes, particularly the highway leading to Manali. As the situation worsened, many tourists had no choice but to endure the frigid temperatures overnight inside their vehicles, with some being stranded for nearly 20 hours.

According to Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police KD Sharma, rescue teams successfully guided around 700 vehicles from the Atal Tunnel towards Manali on the same evening. The remaining vehicles were escorted back by the afternoon of the following day. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement in Kullu district subsequently closed the Manali-Atal Tunnel highway due to continuing snowfall. Additionally, authorities in Lahaul Spiti issued advisories urging residents and tourists to refrain from unnecessary travel, citing unsafe conditions.

The weather in Manali reached a low of 2.9 degrees Celsius as conditions deteriorated further. Meteorological reports indicated that a yellow alert was issued for light rain and snow forecasted on March 17 and 18, while a more serious orange alert has been declared for potential heavy rain and snow on March 19.

In the Kishtwar region, the rescue operation focused on the Sinthan Top, which is known not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for being a popular tourist destination. On March 15, local authorities received notifications regarding 235 civilians along with 38 stranded vehicles. Military teams promptly arrived at the Sinthan Top and provided the stranded individuals with essential supplies, including hot meals, water, and temporary shelter.

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