- First snowfall brings chilly weather to Himachal Pradesh mountains.
- Cloudburst in Kullu's Sainj valley washes away bridges, roads.
- Elderly pilgrim dies from extreme cold during Manimahesh Yatra.
Jagran Correspondent, Himachal: Following the season's first snowfall on Thursday in Himachal Pradesh across several hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range, including Rohtang, Baralacha, and Shinkula, mornings and evenings have turned chilly, while daytime temperatures have started rising across the mountainous regions of Himachal. On Friday, a cloudburst occurred near Suchehan panchayat in Kullu's Sainj valley, triggering heavy rains, floodwaters, and debris that caused damage at several locations.
At least six small bridges were washed away by the cloudburst. Several village roads and drinking water supply pipes were also damaged, leaving large accumulations of debris near the waterfall area.
According to Suchehan Panchayat President Dharampal Thakur, restoring the damaged bridges, footpaths, and drinking water schemes should be prioritised.
Pilgrim Dies During Manimahesh Yatra
In the Chamba district, an elderly devotee died from the extreme cold during the Manimahesh Yatra near Dal Lake. The deceased was identified as 82-year-old Jairam Sharma, a resident of Kalarbatta village in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma had joined the traditional mace procession (chhari jatha) led by Kamal Singh Wazir to bathe in Dal Lake and catch a glimpse (darshan) of Lord Shiva. According to Jagran.com, he had reached Dal Lake on foot, climbing alongside other devotees. Due to snowfall and continuous icy winds, the temperature plummeted below freezing overnight.
As a result of the intense cold and falling temperatures on Wednesday night, Sharma's health deteriorated. Although fellow devotees and volunteers tried to assist him, he succumbed to the extreme cold shortly after.
With the help of rescue teams and fellow travellers, his body was carried down to the road through extremely difficult terrain. A post-mortem will be conducted once his family members arrive in Bharmour and formal identification is completed.
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Temperatures Rise by Up to Seven Degrees Celsius
Daytime temperatures across the state have risen by up to seven degrees Celsius. In Lahaul-Spiti's Keylong, the minimum temperature was recorded at 3.8 degrees Celsius, while the daytime temperature jumped by seven degrees to reach 18.9 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures elsewhere included Tabo at 3.9, Shimla at 14.5, Manali at 9.9, and Kufri at 11.1 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Una reached 34.8 degrees Celsius.
Doctors note that seasonal transitions are particularly sensitive for health, and minor negligence can easily lead to colds, fevers, coughs, and viral infections.
Wear light, warm clothes or jackets when stepping out in the morning and evening. Avoid cold water, refrigerated items, and cold beverages. Instead, incorporate health-boosting ingredients like ginger, basil (tulsi), turmeric, and warm soups into your daily diet.