Kinnaur/Lahaul Spiti, Feb 3(UNI) The high-altitude districts of Himachal Pradesh, particularly Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba, are on high alert following a major avalanche warning issued by state authorities.
The warning comes after an avalanche struck near Ribba village on Monday afternoon, triggering panic among local communities and the dangers posed by it in the region’s rugged Himalayan terrain.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Lahaul & Spiti has issued an Avalanche Advisory (Danger Level 3, Orange), valid until 5:30 pm on February 3.
The advisory, based on inputs from the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) and the Directorate General of Resettlement & Employment (DGRE), states that medium-sized avalanches are possible on extreme slopes above 3,000 meters. Authorities have urged the public to restrict movement to safe routes only.
The warning gained immediate relevance when, around noon on Monday, an avalanche occurred near Ribba village, located below the revered Kinnaur Kailash mountain. While the avalanche debris fell into a deep ravine, causing no casualties or damage to property, the sudden event sent shockwaves through the surrounding areas, highlighting the latent threat.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted that moderate avalanche danger is likely to persist over the next 24 hours in Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti districts. Continuous heavy snowfall followed by a sharp dip in temperatures has rendered the snowpack unstable on steep slopes, significantly elevating the risk of slides.
In response, the district administrations of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti have been placed on high alert. A joint advisory has been issued, strongly urging locals, tourists, and travelers to avoid all unnecessary travel to high-altitude and avalanche-prone areas, suspend outdoor plans if an official warning is in effect, and steer clear of steep slopes and snow-covered mountain faces.
The advisory detailed crucial safety measures, including preparing an evacuation plan and knowing how to react if caught in an avalanche.
"The safety of citizens is paramount. We appeal to everyone to heed the warnings and not venture out unnecessarily. Our teams are on standby," stated an official from the Deputy Commissioner's office, Lahaul & Spiti.
As the region braces under the orange alert, the combined efforts of disaster management authorities and public cooperation are crucial to prevent any tragedy in the fragile Himalayan terrain.
UNI ML AAB