Stranded tourists due to snowfall in Manali, safely rescued

Manali, Oct.25 (ANI): Hundreds of tourists, who were stranded after an unexpected snowfall here, have been safely rescued.

On Friday, roads were blocked in the higher reaches of Himalayas after a sudden spell of widespread rainfall, hailstorm and snowfall hit across north India.

Victims told their ordeal to media persons on Sunday.

One of the victims, Subhash said that while they were stranded, there was no arrangement for food.

He said as there was a lot of snowfall, many people were stranded here for two days. "There was no food arrangement and neither the vehicles could move. We all were stuck here. We have come from Delhi."

Later in the day, B M Nanata, Deputy Commissioner, Kullu claimed that the rest of 450 tourists, who were stranded, have been rescued and all have left for their respective destinations.

"Day before yesterday 2,000 tourists were safely taken back to Manali. The group of 450 persons, left behind, were accommodated at a place called Madi as there was risk if they travelled during night. We moved them yesterday during the daytime and all passengers have now been taken back to Manali, from where they have left for their respective destinations," he said.

A lot of men are still working to clear entire snow from all the blocked roads. No casualty has been reported in the incident.

The popular Mall Road of Manali town had been covered with three inches of snow, as many tourists felt delighted. The town received snowfall after a long wait of five years. (ANI)