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Over 100 people rescued in Himachal Pradesh, 100 still stranded

NAT81National/TourismOver 100 people rescued in Himachal Pradesh, 100 still strandedManali, Sep 24 IANS More than 100 marooned people, including foreigners, were rescued in the snow bound areas in Himachal Pradesh Wednesday, an official said. In other areas of the state, however, over 100 people are still stranded. "The rescued persons from Lahaul and Spiti district were taken to various locations," Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner C. Paul Rasu told IANS.He said nearly 100 people were rescued from Chhatru area and taken to Manali by road."The 86-km stretch from Chhatru to Manali has been opened to traffic," he said.He said 15 people, mostly trekkers, were airlifted from Sarechu and taken to Kullu town. Four Belgian tourists were airlifted from Kaza area and taken to Kullu."Some of the rescued people were suffering from frostbite and they were admitted in hospitals in Kullu," Rasu said.In Battal area, where more than 100 people are still marooned, the administration airdropped food items, medicines and other essential commodities."Groups from various countries are struck up in and around Spiti valley," said an official at the Keylong rescue centre."Tracking routes mainly at Chandertal, Batal and Chotta Dhara are inaccessible by road. All these people would be rescued by helicopters," he said.Meanwhile, the district administration has set up control rooms at Sarechu, Keylong and Koksar.The telephone number of Sarechu control room is 00873761112076 and the Keylong control room can be contacted on telephone numbers 9418065509 and 9418499521. The telephone numbers of Koksar control room and police control room are 9418470002 and 9418071041.--Indo-Asian News Servicevg/ak/dg287 Words24092005