Missing students: Himachal sets up helpline

, June 9:

on Monday set up a

after 24

were washed away in Beas river, an official said.

The round-the-clock helpline (01905-223374) has been commenced at the superintendent of police's office in Mandi town, a government spokesperson told IANS.

Five bodies of students have so far been found while the fate of 19 others who were washed away Sunday in the Beas river that saw a flash-flood after the release of water from a hydropower project is still not known, an official said.

At least 24 students, including six girls, of the V.N.R. Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology in Hyderabad, were reported missing after strong currents in the mighty Beas river washed them away.

The chances of survival of the students were bleak, officials said.

IANS