Himachal shivers: Mercury drops after fresh snow, rain; Tabo below 0°

KULLU: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received a fresh spell of snow, and parts of the high- and mid-hills recorded light rainfall Wednesday as mercury plunged close to freezing point or even below in many areas.Tabo in Lahaul & Spiti district was the coldest at minus 0.7 degrees Celsius. Manali recorded a minimum temperature of 7.4 degrees, Shimla and Dharamshala 12.6 degrees each, and Kufri 10.9 degrees.It snowed in most parts of Lahaul & Spiti, including Koksar, Sissu, Jispa, Gondhla, Tandi and Keylong, as well as the high mountain passes, including Rohtang, Baralacha and Shinkula Top. The north portal of Atal tunnel also recorded snowfall.However, all roads in Lahaul & Spiti — including Manali-Leh national highway — remained open despite the snowfall. According to police, key roads — Koksar-Palchan to Manali via Rohtang Pass, Darcha-Shinkula, Darcha-Sarchu-Leh and Udaipur-Tindi — remained open. Koksar-Lossar road was open only for 4x4 vehicles. It also snowed in high-altitude areas of Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra districts.Meanwhile, 250 sheep and goats died after getting buried in an avalanche that struck Jarasu Pass in Chamba district. The shepherds had a narrow escape in the avalanche that occurred Friday. According to information, the shepherds were returning to Kangra when the avalanche barrelled down on them just as they were crossing the treacherous Jarasu mountain pass in Holi area of Bharmour. Two shepherds suffered frostbite and were rescued by villagers.According to the Met department, the weather will remain clear and dry till Oct 28.