Rescue operations continue in Lahaul Spiti valley following heavy snowfall

Lahaul Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), Sept 25 : Rescue operations continue in Himachal Pradesh as early snowfall disrupted road connectivity and left several people stranded at various places in Lahaul Spiti valley.

According to official sources, more than 500 people, including tourists, are still stranded in Lahaul Spiti valley.

Army and local administration have rescued about 19 foreign tourists who are from Switzerland, Poland, Austria, England and Russia.

"We were stuck here due to snowfall. My wife got ill due to altitude. We spent six days in cold in very difficult conditions," said Britte, a tourist from France.

Authorities said that administration is taking measures to rescue stranded people by helicopter and essential requirements such blankets, medicines are also being provided.

"Our Lahaul area got cut off completely from other parts of the state. Now we are conducting rescue operations through road, helicopter, by all means of transport. We have arranged ration, blankets, water and medicine at all the places. We evacuated 10 people yesterday," said Palrasu, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti.

Himachal Pradesh has been witnessing incessant rains in the past few days. The heavy downpour has caused floods and triggered landslides in the lower Himalayas. Landslides have affected many districts of the state including the capital, Shimla.

ANI