The mercury dropped sharply with Shimla and Bhuntar recording a low of 0.2 degree as the snowfall ended a three-month-long dry spell while authorities have also warned of avalanches in high hills and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.

According to the Tribune, a five-day-old premature baby died of multi-organ failure in Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) due to the 24-hour power outrage. Two babies were on the ventilator at that time, however, only one of them could be saved.

Public Works Department personnel are working round the clock to clear the snow and remove the fallen trees while engineers are on the job to restore power supply at the earliest, an official spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, traffic has come to a halt in Manali and upper areas after they experienced heavy snowfall. Rohtang Pass and adjoining areas are covered under a 60-cm-thick blanket of snow, while the tourist towns of Manali and Solang Nallah experienced the first heavy snowfall of the season.

India Today also reports that as many as three dozen trees were uprooted in the area and some even fell on houses and power lines. Many tourists have also been turned away due to lack of accommodation and other facilities in Shimla. 

(With inputs from PTI)

(Feature image source: Reuters)