Three GSI officers among 17 rescued from Pangi valley in Chamba

Three officers of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) were among 17 persons rescued from the remote Pangi valley of Chamba district. They were stranded in Pangi after flashfloods triggered by heavy rainfall washed away a culvert.

Due to incessant rain in the valley, the Kadu Nala in the high-altitude region swelled rapidly, washing away culverts and cutting off access routes on August 3. The GSI team, accompanied by 14 local porters, was doing fieldwork in the area when it was trapped at an altitude of around 3,200 metres.

On receiving the alert, the police, Fire Department, Forest Department and health authorities from Pangi swiftly launched a joint rescue operation. The team navigated through treacherous terrains and unpredictable weather conditions and managed to reach and safely evacuate all 17 persons.

Pangi’s officiating Resident Commissioner Raman Gharsanghi commended the operation. He said that successful rescue under extremely difficult circumstances was a testament to the courage, coordination and dedication of the ground teams.

Situated deep in the Pir Panjal range, the Pangi valley is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes. The valley is often cut off from the rest of the state during the monsoon and winter seasons due to landslides, washed-away roads and heavy snowfall.