Rescue operation continues in snow-hit Lahaul Spiti valley

Kullu, Sept 26 : Army and people have rescued more than 900 people who were marooned in Lahaul Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh as early snowfall disrupted road connectivity.

A few of the rescued people have been admitted in the Regional Hospital in Kullu for treatment.

The area remains cut-off since September 18, when an unusual early snowstorm lashed the high altitude region depositing over five feet of snow.

"For one night, I was stuck in snow and for the whole night, we were trying to cut our way through snow. We had only one kilogram of food which 18 of us shared. The next day again, we were walking through ice. We managed to reach Chatru from where the authorities sent us to Keylong. There I was treated for a day," said Beer Bahadur, a rescued person.

The 476 km Manali-Leh National Highway which passes through the Rohtang Pass at 13,051 ft, that connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti valleys, has been cleared for the army supply to Leh and Kargil sectors.

However, the movement in Lahaul Spiti is not still permitted as the area is still experiencing rough weather.

The heavy downpour in the lower Himalayas in the state has caused floods and triggered landslides. Landslides have affected many districts of the state including Shimla.

The picturesque Lahaul Spiti Valley draws many tourists including foreign tourists for adventure sports like paragliding, white water river rafting.

With its panorama of temples, rivers and mountain peaks, the valley is fast emerging as a favourite destination for adventure seekers.

ANI