The season’s first significant snowfall in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh and sudden dip of Mercury has not only transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland but also exposed the vulnerabilities of local pastoral communities, with at least 250 sheep and goats perishing in a snow-related tragedy in Chamba district.

The early onset of winter conditions brought moderate rain to Kullu and light to moderate snow over the Rohtang Pass, Baralacha, Shikula Pass, Kunzum Pass, and the Atal Tunnel area of Lahaul-Spiti today.

While the fresh snow cover has sparked hopes of a revival in tourism, it wreaked havoc on a group of migratory shepherds (Gaddis) traversing the treacherous Jarasu Pass in Chamba.

According to local authorities, the shepherds, originally from Gwalitikkar in Kangra district, were moving a flock of 600 sheep and goats through the high-altitude pass when they were caught off-guard by a sudden spell of heavy snow and a subsequent avalanche on Friday. The incident, however, came to light only on Saturday when representatives from the Nyagran panchayat in Chamba were informed.

Panchayat Pradhan Ashok Kumar quickly mobilised a team of villagers for a rescue operation. The team faced significant challenges, including crossing the Ravi river at Dharadi, where water levels had risen. Undeterred, the locals built a temporary wooden bridge, risking their own lives to reach the stranded shepherds.

After an arduous operation, the villagers successfully rescued the two shepherds, Krishna Kumar and Jogendra, and the remaining livestock. The shepherds, suffering from ice burns and exposure due to prolonged contact with the snow, were provided initial treatment at Holi hospital before being referred to Tanda Medical College for further care.

The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has forecast isolated light rain or snow in some areas on October 22.

However, a prolonged spell of dry weather is expected across the state from October 23 to October 28. While maximum temperatures are likely to remain unchanged over the next 2-3 days, minimum temperatures are expected to fall by 1-2 degrees celsius.

Temperatures across the state have already begun to dip, with Keylong recording a minimum of 1.8 degrees celsius and Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti plunging to minus 0.7 degrees celsius, the lowest in the state.