Amid fresh snowfall prediction, schools in Himachal Pradesh to remain shut till February 17

In view of the Meteorological Department's (Met)'s fresh warning for heavy rain and snowfall in some parts of Himachal Pradesh's Kullu, the winter vacation in schools of the district has been extended by four days. The vacation has been also extended in the district of Mandi and Chamba of the north Indian state. The schools which were scheduled to resume on February 13, will now open on February 18. An order was issued by the District Magistrates in this regard keeping in mind the safety of the students.

"District Administration Kullu: Schools that were scheduled to open on February 13 after being closed in the light of heavy rains/snowfall in the region, will now open on February 18," the news agency ANI reported.

District Administration Kullu: Schools that were scheduled to open on February 13 after being closed in the light of heavy rains/snowfall in the region, will now open on February 18. #HimachalPradesh

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2019

The work of clearing the roads in the upper areas of the district is underway as more snowfall is predicted in the high and mid hills and hailstorm in the low hills and plains of Shimla between February 13 and February 16.

The weatherman has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain and snowfall due to a fresh western disturbance and its interaction with tropical easterlies or winds blowing from the east, resulting in heavy rains and snow.

The Met issues colour-coded warnings to alert the public ahead of severe or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption and/or danger to life. Yellow is the least dangerous among the weather warnings. It indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days.

Earlier in the week, winter vacations in schools of Shimla and Multhan sub-tehsil of Kangra district were extended by two days following heavy snowfall, district officials said Sunday. In their orders, the district magistrates said the schools in Shimla district and Multhan sub-tehsil of Kangra district would now reopen on February 13, instead of February 11.

(With inputs from agencies)