As many as 19 people stranded, who were stranded after flash flood and heavy rain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, were rescued by the helicopter of Indian Air Force.
According to information received, the chopper was requisitioned on the direction of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and the stranded people were rescued safely. Thakur chaired a meeting to take stock of situation in view of heavy rains for the last few days in the state, particularly in four districts of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaurand Lahaul & Spiti. Chief Minister directed the officers to take 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 and 23 from Rohtang.
Apart from this, 14 others were rescued by the Border Road Organisation from Kullu. Sixty sheep and goats perished due to landslide at Chamba.
The Chief Minister also directed that water levels in Chemera Dam I, II and III and Pandoh should be monitored strictly and early warning provided to authorities concerned.
National and State highways have been blocked at many places due to landslide followed by heavy rain. In view of weather warning most of the district administration have declared holiday in schools today. Heavy snowfall has also been reported at Rohtang pass.
According to reports, Himachal Pradesh has received heavy rainfall at many places in the last 72 hours. Due to heavy rain normal life has been badly affected in kangara, Chamba, mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur district. National highways and circuit roads have been interrupted at many places due to landslide and snow. Several places in Lahol- Sphiti district have experienced 2 to 4 feet heavy snowfall as a result telecommunication, water supply and electricity snapped at many places in the district. Major rivers of the state are in spate. People have been advised not to venture near river and rivulets. In view of heavy rain warning Shimla, Kulu, kinnaur,Chamba, Sirmaur, Kangra,Mandi, Solan, Bilaspur and Hamirpur district administration have declared holiday in school and colleges today. Meanwhile weather department has predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places of the state during the next two days.
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