Labourers Stranded in Himachal Pradesh Amid Heavy Snowfall and Rockslides

Over two dozen labourers working on BSNL towers and an Army post in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district were stranded due to heavy snowfall and rockslides. The district administration has dispatched heavy machinery for rescue operations. The meteorological office has also warned of flash flood risks and issued warnings for heavy rainfall in several districts.

Over two dozen labourers engaged in erecting BSNL towers and constructing an Army post became stranded near Lal Dhak in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Thursday due to snowfall and rockslides, officials said.

The erection of BSNL towers was ongoing at Nagdum and Dharnithal, while the Army post was under construction at Nagdum. The labourers were returning as heavy snowfall began and cold conditions worsened, but they got trapped when their return route was blocked by a gigantic rockslide at Dumti, approximately 25 km from Chitkul.

Gobind Ram, accountant for the contractor Norbu Chhorian, reported that the labourers were returning because work was halted due to heavy snowfall and severe cold. The road at Dumti was blocked by the massive rockslide. The district administration has sent heavy machinery to the site, and the road will be cleared once snowfall ceases.

The meteorological office also issued warnings of moderate flash flood risk in parts of Shimla, Kinnaur, and Sirmaur districts until Friday, along with a yellow alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in five out of the state's 12 districts.

Some areas have continued to experience light rains, with Dharamhala recording the most rainfall at 41 mm since Wednesday evening. A total of 34 roads were closed, and 24 power schemes were disrupted as of Wednesday, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

The monsoon onset since June 27 has resulted in a 21% rainfall deficit for the state, with 165 rain-related fatalities and losses amounting to Rs 1,323 crore. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest temperature at 6.7 degrees Celsius, while Kangra was the hottest at 34.6 degrees.

(With inputs from agencies.)