Stranded in snow: 300 tourists, including foreigners, await rescue in Himachal's Spiti valley
Shimla, July 11: A challenging operation is underway in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley to rescue 300 people, including 75 women, who have been stranded in the snow-covered region, specifically at Chandertal, for the past three days. The stranded individuals consist mainly of tourists from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, and also include three foreign women, two from Ireland and one from the US.
The district administration has provided temporary shelter to the stranded individuals in camps and local houses. Acting Director General of Police Satwant Atwal, overseeing the rescue operations, stated that there are 225 men and 75 women currently camping at Chandertal, among them a child, three senior citizens, and others aged between 18 and 60. Additionally, there are 35 locals from Himachal and a large number of shepherds with around 1,500 sheep.
The district administration remains in contact with the stranded individuals through satellite phones since the mobile network has been disrupted. Rescue efforts began with a team departing from Losar to Chandertal with machinery, while another team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rahul Jain set off from Kaza.
Local youth volunteers from Pangmo, Losar, and several villages of Spiti, totaling around 40 individuals, have also joined the rescue operation to assist the civil administration.
The Meteorological Office in Shimla predicts moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder in several places across Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kinnaur districts. However, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts may experience moderate rainfall.
In addition to the rescue operation at Chandertal, the Manali-Leh highway has been blocked due to a flash flood in the Pagal nullah near Sissu village, leaving several motorists, including tourists and locals, stranded. The local administration has arranged nearby accommodations for the affected individuals and is in regular contact with them. The stranded tourists will be evacuated once road links are reopened and landslides are cleared. Airlifting may be considered if weather conditions permit.
Superintendent of Police Mayank Chaudhary is present at Chandertal to oversee the relief and rescue operation. Chandertal Lake, nestled amidst the Himalayas at an elevation of 14,100 ft, is typically accessible during the summer season and freezes over during winter.
Also Read: Punjab faces devastation as Sutlej and Ghaggar rivers overflow: Rescue operations in full swing
- With inputs from agencies
