Himachal: Police rescue 3500 tourists stranded in Kullu after heavy snowfall

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 29 (ANI): Kullu district police rescued more than 3500 tourists who were stranded near Atal tunnel at Dhundhi in Kullu district after heavy snowfall on Monday.

According to the Kullu District Police, more than 1,000 vehicles were stuck near the South Portal due to the heavy snowfall in the region.

“Today, due to fresh snowfall in the Dhundhi area, more than 1,000 vehicles (6,000 people and tourists) got stuck near the South Portal of ATR, out of which 600 vehicles (3,500 tourists) have been safely rescued,” the Kullu police said.

“A rescue operation is underway, and the remaining vehicles and people are being rescued,” the police added.

Meanwhile, in view of the bad weather conditions, all educational institutions in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir have been announced closed for Tuesday (April 30) following orders of Reasi District Magistrate Vishesh Mahajan.

Earlier in the day, the Machil sector of the Kupwara district received fresh snowfall. Visuals in the area showed snow-covered trees and wires, displaying an ethereal winter landscape.

The Bandipora district of North Kashmir also received a fresh bout of snowfall today. The region turned into a winter wonderland as heavy snow covered vehicles, roads, and streets.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials could be seen conducting snow clearance operations in the district.

Earlier on Sunday, a total of 35 vehicles stuck in the snow at Razdan Top on the Bandipora-Gurez road in Jammu and Kashmir were rescued by a team of the BRO.

The BRO officials said that the vehicles were stranded due to unfavorable weather conditions, including snowfall and snowstorms.