35 tourists stranded as Himachal valley still cut off

Shimla, Sep 25 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque Sangla Valley remained cut off from the rest of the country for the sixth day Saturday, an official said.

Incessant rainfall in the region had triggered massive landslides that blocked the road leading to the valley in Kinnaur district.

‘The road link to the Sangla Valley couldn’t be restored so far. Landslides clearing operation is on and the road is likely to be re-opened for the motorists tomorrow (Sunday),’ Deputy Commissioner Mamta Chaudhary told IANS.

The government airlifted out 40 tourists, including 24 foreigners, Friday. They had been stranded there since the road link snapped.

At least 35 Indian tourists are still stranded at Sangla village, waiting for the road link to be restored.

‘All tourists are fine there and we have provided them lodging,’ she added.

The picturesque Sangla Valley – which remains cut off from the rest of the country during winter owing to heavy snowfall – is some 275 km from Shimla.