According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, an active Western Disturbance that has now passed away, had given widespread heavy rain and snow for the three continuous days since Saturday, which resulted in inclement weather conditions.
As per the local media reports, rescue efforts were underway but heavy snowstorms kept hampering the search operations. As a result, the casualties were expected to rise as snow had piled up as high as 3 feet, making it highly unlikely for people to survive extreme chilly conditions.
According to the latest forecast by Skymet, the mountainous region will get a very short spell of relief of 24 to 36 hours, thereafter which the region will be again affected by another strong Western Disturbance by February 27.
The system is expected to give another spell of widespread heavy rain and snow over the region, which will worsen the situation.
Avalanches are very common in the winter season in India. Heavy snowfall generally culminates into avalanches after the temperatures shoot up and the snow packs loses its hold. Avalanches often lead to catastrophic events as they come without warning.