300 marooned at Sarchu and Bharatpur of Lahaul

Shimla, Sep 23 (UNI) An estimated 300 people were still to be evacuated from the snow-bound Sarchu and Bharatpur of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, following heavy rains, which wreaked havoc in the State.

This was informed by Himachal Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Parminder Mathur, who was reviewing the loss of lives and properties due to the rains in the state.

Ms Mathur reviewed the situation arising out of the heavy rains and snowfall in the State and issued a statement to the press here today.

She said Deputy SP has been stationed at Sarchu to monitor the rescue operation. She informed that besides a group of 22 people, including one Japanese, stranded at Batal has since crossed over to Lossar in Spiti and over 100 people were still camping at Batal and Chhattru.

The Rohtang Pass was re-opened for vehicular traffic yesterday evening, which was suspended due to heavy snowfall on Friday night.

This was informed by C Palrasu, the Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti.

He said after the Rohtang Pass opened, stranded vehicles at Lahaul area were allowed to move to Manali on a priority basis.

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