IAF rescues 32 people from parts of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday

ANI photo

Shimla: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday rescued 32 people from parts of Himachal Pradesh which have been reeling under adverse weather conditions. The rescued people include 24 from Chhattru and seven from Chhota Dara.

Baralacha La pass: Total 32 people rescued today, 7 from Chhota Dara & 24 from Chhattru, by Indian Air Force; #visuals of rescue operation from Chhota Dara. #HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/q4FYlJUKuk

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2018

After a five-day rigorous effort, the rescue operation in Lahaul Valley concluded earlier in the day. As many as 252 people were successfully evacuated by air and another 4,770 were rescued by road. The rescued largely comprised tourists and also included foreigners from Germany, Norway, Denmark and Nepal.

The electricity supply in the Lahaul-Spiti district is expected to be normalized in the next 10 days. Airlifting of tourists by the IAF was hampered on Friday afternoon owing to the onset of snowfall in the high hills.

Heavy showers have hit Himachal Pradesh since the past few days. Landslides were reported in several parts of the state with many roads getting blocked. Rivers in the state were flowing at danger levels with authorities on high alert.

(With inputs from agencies)