2,500 tourists stranded in Himachal Pradesh snowfall rescued

MANALI: In one of the largest and toughest rescue operations carried out in Manali in the recent past, about 2,500 tourists were rescued on Saturday night after sudden and heavy snowfall trapped them at various places below Rohtang Pass. Around two dozen tourists are still stranded in dhabas and rescue post at Marhi, and more could be trapped along the highway between Kothi and Marhi. On Sunday, avalanches at Kalath near Manali blocked the Manali-Chandigarh road.

"We have received a message that two tourists and their guide were trapped in upper Gulaba area. Rescue teams have already left to bring them back," additional district magistrate Vinay Singh told TOI on Sunday. "Teams are combing the entire stretch from Bahang towards Rohtang to locate those in want of help. About two dozen tourists who are taking shelter in dhabas and rescue post in Marhi will be brought to Manali when weather conditions become a little favourable," he added.

Most of the tourists were stranded near Marhi, Beas Nullah, Chumbak Mor and Gulaba. Rescue teams sent to shift them to Kothi, Palchan and lower areas, which are comparatively safer, faced difficulty as their vehicles skidded on snow and tourists were left with no option but to walk downhill for kilometers. Sources said even after the situation had become critical, most visitors ignored blizzard and kept playing with snow for hours, leaving their vehicles parked on the highway.

"Rescue operations continued till 3am. We have pressed into service around 25 jeeps," said Him-Aanchal Taxi Operators' Union secretary Makardhwaj Sharma, who led his team of volunteers. He added that over 200 vehicles were trapped and they can be brought down only after the snow is cleared.

Rohtang pass received over 120cm snow since Saturday. All the areas where tourists were stranded are under 80cm snow and blizzards have gripped the region. Manali and all upper regions of Kullu are still witnessing snow.