Rescue work in full swing in Sarchu, Chhatru areas

Shimla, Sep 22 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today directed the authorities to take all measures, including requisitioning of the helicopter services, to evacuate the stranded people at Sarchu and Chhatru areas of Lahaul valley.

While reviewing the situation arisen due to heavy rains during past three days in a high-level meeting here today, the Chief Minister said the entire stranded lot had earlier been shifted to safer places towards Sarchu side by the rescue teams.

He said that Buddhist Monk Karamapa had already been evacuated by helicopter yesterday to Leh.

Essential commodities like medicines, food stuff, blankets and other commodities had been air dropped in Sarchu area by the Indian Air Force helicopter yesterday and more flights were being carried today to carry the operation further. Military camps were extending the medical and other facilities near Sarchu to the stranded passengers and all of them were reported to be safe and medically fit.

The BRO authorities assisted by PWD were working overtime to open the road through Baralacha pass to Sarchu to evacuate the stranded people.

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