AMN / Shimla
The 19 people stranded at Dobi in Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, after flash floods and heavy rains were rescued by an Indian Air Force helicopter.
An official spokesperson said, the chopper was requisitioned on the direction of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and the stranded people were rescued safely.
Mr Thakur chaired a meeting to take stock of situation in view of heavy rains forthe lastfew days in the state, particularly in four districts of Kullu,Chamba, Kinnaurand Lahaul & Spiti. Chief Minister directed the officers totake all precautionary measures to minimise loss to life and property.
It was also informed at the meeting that all the 120 people stranded at Koksar have been rescued. Similarly, 23 people have been rescued from Mari and23 from Rohtang.
Apart from this, 14 others were rescued by the Border Road Organisation from Kullu. Sixty sheep andgoats perished due to landslide at Chamba.
The Chief Ministeralso directed that water levels in Chemera Dam I, IIand III and Pandoh shouldbe monitored strictly and early warning provided toauthorities concerned.
Nationaland State highways have been blocked at many places due to landslide followedby heavy rain. In view of weather warning most of the district administrationhave declared holiday in schools today. Heavy snowfall has also been reportedat Rohtang pass.
Himachal Pradesh has received heavy rainfallat many places in the last 72 hours. Due to heavy rain normal life has beenbadly affected in kangara, Chamba, mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur district. National highways and circuit roads have been interrupted at many places due tolandslide and snow.