It was a heavenly yet chilly morning for Sikkim as people woke up to a stunning white morning, as winter arrived early this year. However, along with the beauty came challenges, as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall disrupted daily life across the state. Keep reading to know more about this.
Heavy Snowfall At Indo-China Border
On Friday, heavy snowfall covered the higher areas of the Indo-China border, including Nathula Pass. It led to a sharp drop in temperature across Sikkim, reported The Times of India. The cold wave pushed the mercury below zero in several high-altitude zones, affecting movement along key mountain routes. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), extremely heavy snowfall began early in the morning in and around Nathula, Kupup, and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake. The IMD has issued a red alert for Sikkim, warning that the severe weather conditions are likely to persist over the next 24 hours.
Local authorities have advised tourists and drivers to avoid travelling to higher regions. Roads have become slippery due to thick layers of snow, increasing the risk of accidents. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) teams are working around the clock to clear snow and keep essential routes open. Authorities are focusing on maintaining access to vital border points and ensuring the supply of goods and services.
Advisory For Locals And Tourists In Sikkim
As per The Times of India, the Sikkim government has asked residents to stay cautious and limit outdoor movement. Disaster response teams have been placed on standby to deal with any emergencies caused by the snow or cold conditions. Officials said the temperature in the Nathula region might drop even more overnight.
The snowfall has also affected local businesses and tourist movement. Many visitors who planned trips to Nathula and Tsomgo Lake were asked to postpone their plans until the weather improves. Locals said the snowfall, though beautiful, has made daily life difficult in the hills.
We hope the heavy snowfall in the state gets under control soon!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Snowlion728030