Shimla: A community led rescue operation dug out two families whose houses had collapsed due to an avalanche in a high altitude Kinnaur village, with all seven persons, who remained buried for several hours, brought out to safety.
Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur JM Pathania said, “all the seven persons which included one man and six women, belonging to two families have been rescued, given medical help and are now sheltered in a safe place.”
“There are no causalities,” said Pathania over phone.
The rescue operation lasted 8 hours and besides the police, home guards, medical teams, the village community of about 150 volunteers participated, he added.
Those rescued were identified as Brima Chand, his wife Hira Mani and their daughter Tamana, a widow Sarita and her three daughters, Indu, Bindu and Guriya, said the official.
The avalanche had hit Kafnu village of Kinnaur and the families were lying trapped in their houses since about 7.30 a.m.
Over the last three days, heavy snow in much of the high altitude tribal belt of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti has blocked most roads and made the region snowbound, resulting in even power lines breaking down.
Kinnaur region lies on the western flank of Tibet along River Satluj valley basin and is a land of high mountains and deep valleys.
Reckong Peo, the district headquarters is about 250 Kms from the state capital and Kafnu village is another 25 Kms away from the district headquarter.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads the team of media professionals at Hill Post.
In a career spanning over two decades through all formats of journalism in Electronic, Print and Online Media, he brings with him enough experience to steer this platform. He lives in Shimla.
