Around 360 people stranded in various parts of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti district have been rescued and most of the 600 roads of the state reopened after being blocked following recent snowfall, officials said Wednesday.
Thirteen stranded people were airlifted to safer places by the Indian Air Force, while the Border Road Organisation (BRO) rescued many people, the officials said.
An official of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said most of the 600 roads, including the Chandigarh-Manali road, of the state have been reopened.
He also said about 300 people stranded at various places of Lahaul and Spiti district have been rescued. Around 200 people are still stranded there, the official added.
Keylog Sub Divisional Magistrate Amar Negi said eight persons, hailing from West Bengal, were airlifted to safer places in Stingri in Lahaul district and Bhuntar in Kullu district on Wednesday by 11 am, while five were airlifted to Stingri on Tuesday evening. Five of total eight persons airlifted today have been taken to Bhuntar in adjoining Kullu district in IAF helicopters directly, he added.
Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Manisha Nanda said that 220.29 crore rupees loss to public property have been reported due to recent heavy rains. She said that complete report of loss is being prepared by the different departments.
She said that administration had launched rescue operation on Wednesday in which 368 persons were rescued safely. This operation started at 7 AM in Zingzing Bar and Baralacha area. 356 rescued persons were brought back via Rohtang tunnel whereas 12 foreign tourists were airlifted. She told that administration has rescued total 898 persons to safe places.