Intense cold conditions continue in Himachal Pradesh; Shimla experiences season's coldest night at minus 3.3 deg C

Shimla: Most parts of Himachal Pradesh reeled under biting cold conditions as the state capital Shimla and tourist destination Manali experienced the season's coldest night with temperatures dipping to minus 3.3C and minus 6.6C respectively.

Upper Shimla, Kinnaur and tribal Lahaul and Pangi valley remained cut off from the rest of the state for the sixth day.

High-altitude tribal areas shivered under arctic conditions with the mercury staying between minus 13 and minus 20C, while Keylong and Kalpa in Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts recorded a low of minus 11.6C and minus 8.6C, followed by Nauni minus 3.1C, Solan minus 1C, Sundernagar 0.4C, Una 0.6C, Bhuntar 1.5C, Nahan 3.0C and Dharamsala 7.2C.

Fresh snowfall occurred at isolated places. Bharmaur, Kothi and Manali received 10cm, 8cm and 6cm of snowfall respectively while Kalpa and Shimla received 5cm and 2cm respectively.

Some areas in lower hills received rainfall. Gohar had 15 mm of rains followed by Pandoh 6 mm and Joginder Nagar 4.2mm.

Many areas in Shimla remained without water and electricity. The supply was erratic in areas where authorities claimed to have restored power and water supply.

Water pipes burst at many places in Shimla and people were forced to melt the snow to meet their potable water needs.

The Met office has predicted dry weather till January 13 and snow and rains thereafter till January 17 as a fresh western disturbance was likely to affect the western Himalayan region from January 14.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary VC Pharka said out of the 607 roads closed due to heavy snowfall, more than 400 roads have been opened while a majority of water supply lines have been restored while the rest were likely to function in 2-3 days.

He said 70-per cent electricity supply to Shimla town has been restored.