Srinagar, September 28 (KNO) : Army on Friday claimed to have offered assistance to the passengers who are stuck on Leh-Manali since last week, saying that the they offered help to people by providing high altitude warm clothing, shelter, hot meals, medical aid, satellite communication and carrying out physical rescue missions. A large number of landslides and snow slides have trapped vehicles along the strategic Leh-Manali road during past one week. The effect has been more pronounced near Baralacha La and along the road from Killing-Sarai to Bharatpur. A highly specialized and trained Avalanche Panther Rescue Team of Ladakh Scouts of Army detachments operating from Rumtse, Pang, Sarchu, Patsio and Tandi was inducted into the affected area for rescue and relief operations, Army spokesman said. "The second Avalanche Rescue Team is also being inducted shortly.
One Medical Officer and one Signals Officer have been inducted to Patsio for providing medical assistance and communication arrangements to the stranded civilians. In addition medical stores, oxygen cylinders, supplies and rations have been airlifted by Army Aviation into the affected areas," Army added. "As on date, 124 civilians including 31 Bhutanese Nationals, 38 Nepalese Nationals and rest Indian tourists have been evacuated from Bharatpur to Sarchu and provided medical aid, shelter, warm clothing and hot meals," spokesman said.
In addition, 22 civilians including two Australian Nationals present near Sarchu were rescued and provided medical aid, the statement added. "A vehicle cum foot patrol launched from Patsio to Suraj Tal evacuated 95 civilians and brought them to Patsio. They have been provided immediate medical aid, shelter and warm clothing. Army detachments are also clearing the road wherever civilian vehicles have been stuck," the statement added.(KNO)