Himachal Weather: Kullu Police Rescue Over 5,000 Tourists Amid Heavy Snowfall

Kullu, Himachal Weather — In a remarkable rescue operation, the Kullu Police, with assistance from local authorities, successfully evacuated more than 5,000 tourists stranded in heavy snowfall near Solang Nala, a popular ski resort in the Kullu district. Around 1,000 vehicles were caught in the massive traffic jam caused by the influx of holiday tourists and continuous snowfall.

The Kullu Police took to social media platform X to update about the situation, stating, “Due to fresh snowfall today on 27.12.2024, about 1,000 tourists and other vehicles were stuck in Solang Nala. There were about 5,000 tourists in these vehicles. The vehicles and tourists have been rescued by Kullu Police and taken to safe places. The rescue operation is still going on.”

आज दिनांक 27.12.2024 को हुई ताज़ा बर्फबारी के कारण सोलंग नाला में करीब 1000 पर्यटक व अन्य वाहन फंस गये थे । इन वाहनो मे करीब 5000 पर्यटक थे। वाहन तथा पर्यटको को कुल्लू पुलिस द्वारा रेस्क्यू करके सुरक्षित स्थानों पर पहुंचाया गया है। बचाव अभियान अभी भी जारी है। pic.twitter.com/s8Z7y7l74U

— Kullu Police (@PoliceKullu) December 27, 2024

Despite the challenging weather, the police and local teams worked tirelessly to transport stranded visitors to safety. Videos from the spot, shared by ANI, showcased officers braving the freezing conditions, spreading sand in front of cars to prevent skidding, and guiding vehicles through treacherous routes.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement witnessed in Manali as people throng to hilly areas after fresh snowfall

(Source: Himachal Pradesh Police) pic.twitter.com/hmWfK6Xxjq

— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2024

The Christmas and New Year holiday season drew thousands of tourists to Manali and surrounding hill stations, eager to experience Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque winter. The fresh snowfall created a magical ambiance, but the heavy tourist turnout led to severe traffic congestion, particularly in Manali.

Shimla: A Serene Winter Wonderland

While the chaos unfolded in Kullu, Shimla offered a contrasting scene of tranquility. The city was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, presenting a serene winter wonderland for visitors. This was the first significant snowfall in two weeks since the initial spell on December 8.

IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Several roads and highways have been blocked due to the snowfall, with more expected in the coming days. The IMD also reported light to moderate snowfall in various districts of Kashmir due to a western disturbance.

The Kullu Police have assured that rescue operations will continue until all roads are cleared and tourists are safely evacuated. Meanwhile, authorities urge visitors to check weather updates and travel advisories before planning trips to snow-prone areas during the holiday season.

This year’s snowfall has been both a blessing and a challenge, offering breathtaking scenery while testing the resolve and preparedness of local authorities.