300 persons stranded in snow near Atal Tunnel rescued by Manali admn in late-night operation
The Newz Radar
MANALI: Over 300 persons stranded in snow near the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang were rescued by the Manali administration of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on the night of January 30.
In a remarkable display of coordinated efforts and bravery, rescue teams evacuated the 300 persons who were stranded amid heavy snow for several hours. The rescue operation started after the stranded persons, who were travelling in over 50 cars, called up the district administration authorities for help. As temperatures plummeted and visibility reduced, the situation grew increasingly precarious for those stranded.
Responding swiftly to the distress calls, a team led by Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police KD Sharma sprang into action. Battling against the elements and navigating through the snow-clad terrain, the rescue team embarked on a daring mission to reach the stranded individuals and bring them to safety.
“With grit and determination, the rescue team executed a meticulously planned operation, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers from the snow-stricken area. Despite the challenges posed by the inclement weather, the team demonstrated exceptional courage,” said Sharma.
The higher regions of Himachal have been draped in a white blanket of snow amid an orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department for heavy snow. Both ends of the Atal Tunnel are now obstructed by over a foot of snow.
In light of safety concerns, vehicles carrying tourists are not being allowed beyond Nehru Kund. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre in Shimla, as of Wednesday morning, 134 roads across the state were closed due to heavy snowfall. Of these roads, 120 are in Lahaul-Spiti. Landslides at Nathpa in Kinnaur district have blocked National Highway-5. The upper regions of the district, including Chitkul, are witnessing heavy snowfall.
In upper Shimla, areas like Narkanda, Fagu, Kufri, Khadapathar and Chopal have received snow, halting bus services. Nearly a dozen HRTC and private buses are stuck near Fagu in Shimla, causing inconvenience to commuters.
