28 patients still stuck in Lahaul, await airlifting

Tribune News Service
Mandi, February 19

As many as 28 patients are still awaiting help in snowbound Lahaul-Spiti. Bad weather has been hampering the flight operations in the district.

The district received fresh snowfall on Tuesday. There were reports of an avalanche at Lohni near Tindi, which damaged the roof of two houses. However, no loss of life was reported.

Yesterday, a bridge was also damaged in an avalanche near Gavari.

Lahaul-Spiti has been cut off since December last year as the 13,050 feet Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul between Kullu and Keylong, is closed for vehicular movement due to heavy snowfall.

Residents have been having a tough time in the absence of healthcare. On Tuesday, due to inclement weather in Kullu and Lahaul, the patients could not be airlifted.

The state government provides a helicopter to airlift the patients and those stranded in Lahaul-Spiti.

Agriculture Minister Ram Lal Markanda, who represents Lahaul-Spiti, said the government was in constant touch with the Lahaul-Spiti administration. “As soon as the weather clears, all patients will be airlifted,” he added.

Manali town and tourist places such as Solang and Gulaba also received heavy snowfall on Tuesday.

In Mandi district, Seraj valley, a few parts of Karsog and Kamrunag witnessed snowfall, which blocked the local link roads.