Amid devastation, Lahaul-Spiti women provide food, shelter to flood-hit tourists, truck drivers

The tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti witnessed widespread disruption and destruction due to continuous heavy rainfall from August 25 to 27.

The intense downpour triggered multiple landslides and flashfloods across various parts of the district, leading to the blockage of Manali-Leh highway and several other link roads, leaving hundreds of tourists, locals and travellers stranded in remote areas.

In response, the district administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner and chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Lahaul-Spiti, Kiran Bhadana, swiftly launched coordinated relief and rescue operations.

The efforts involved joint collaboration between the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Public Works Department (PWD), the police, local women’s groups, voluntary organisations and residents.

According to the DC, cooked meals were distributed to stranded people on the first day from Keylong. Later, the Sissu Mahila Mandal set up a community kitchen (langar) to provide food to trapped tourists and truck drivers. Essential relief materials such as dry rations, blankets, quilts and sleeping bags were distributed to those in need.

The DC said in critical medical cases, three seriously ill patients, including a pregnant woman, were rescued and transported to the Regional Hospital, Keylong. They were later airlifted to Kullu Regional Hospital on Thursday, with the medical team accompanying them throughout the operation, ensuring proper care during the evacuation.

“Significant rescue operations were also conducted at various locations 250 to 300 individuals were stranded between Pagal Nala and Teling Nala; 148 passengers in 107 vehicles were trapped between Jispa and Stingri; and 80 to 90 people were stuck near Udaipur,” she added. All of them were provided with food and temporary shelters by the administration.

“A group of 13 students and four teachers from Kolkata were accommodated in the PWD Rest House in Keylong,” the DC said.

“Efforts to locate missing persons bore fruit as three pilgrims from Mooring village, headed to Manimahesh, were found. One has safely returned home, while the other two are continuing their journey with local shepherds, depending on weather conditions,” she said.

The DC said the majority of tourists were safely transported to Manali and not a single tourist was stranded in the Lahaul valley. Now, the focus would be on moving stranded carrier vehicles, including trucks from the Lahaul valley, towards their respective destinations, she added.

The DC said a special rescue team was being dispatched to Miyar Valley to evacuate 30 to 35 stranded Gaddis (nomadic shepherds). The team is expected to reach the valley soon and carry out the operation to bring them back safely. “The restoration of essential services was carried out on a war footing.”

“Telecom services were restored on Wednesday while the power supply resumed on Friday. Teams from BRO and PWD have been working round-the-clock to reopen blocked roads, and many key routes have already been cleared,” said DC Bhadana.

Despite the harsh weather and tough terrain, she personally visited the affected areas, supervised rescue and relief efforts, and boosted the morale of frontline workers. She also coordinated with various departments to ensure timely restoration of electricity, water supply and mobile connectivity.