Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said here today that the life in the entire State particularly in the tribal areas and higher reaches of the State had been badly hit due to heavy snowfall and rain. The Chief Minister issued directions to the Government machinery to ensure supply of electricity, water and other essential commodities to the people and also clear roads which were blocked due to the heavy snowfall on war footing.
He said that all the seven people who were hit by avalanche in Kafnu in district Kinnaur had been safely rescued. He urged the Media to exercise caution in reporting such news which may create panic amongst the people. He said that the government was watchful on the situation arising out due to snowfall and was taking every measure to provide relief to the people. He said that all the schools had been closed in tribal belts and few other districts as a precautionary measure.
Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur, Capt. J.M. Pathania in a communiqué from Kinnaur said that all the seven persons had been rescued safely and were provided first aid on the spot. He said that the avalanche had hit two houses near Kafnu at 7 AM today in which Sh. Birma Chand, his wife Hiramani and his daughter Tammana were trapped and were rescued by rescue teams comprising of local village people, police and homeguard jawans at around 11.30 AM today. The other family of Sarita along with her three children, namely Indu, Bindu and Guddia were evacuated at around 3. 15 PM today. They were also administered first aid by the medical team present on the spot. He negated the reports appeared in few electronic channels which had reported that eight people were killed in an avalanche in Kafnu today.
Deputy Commissioner said that a team of Police from Katgaon police post headed by Head Constable Devi Dayal and home guards jawans who were deployed at SJVNL project, did a commendable job in evacuating the trapped. Besides, as many as 150 local villagers in sub-zero temperature left no stone unturned in saving the precious lives. He said that a team of doctors from Katgaon led by Dr. Sandeep Jamwal was also present on the spot and provided first aid to those who had sustained minor injuries.