Himachal Pradesh: Over 1,000 vehicles stuck in Solang-Rohtang after heavy snowfall in Manali, 700 tourists rescued
Heavy snowfall in Manali leaves tourists stranded, as rescue operations evacuate 700 people; Shimla transforms into a snowy paradise, boosting local tourism.
Himachal Pradesh: Over 1,000 vehicles stuck in Solang-Rohtang after heavy snowfall in Manali, 700 tourists rescued
New heavy snowfall in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, has transformed what has once been a fairy-tale dream into a logistical nightmare as around 1,000 vehicles have got stuck apart from tourists being stranded in their vehicles for hours between Solang and Atal Tunnel in Rohtang.
The rescue operation was initiated by police officials to evacuate around 700 tourists into safe locations.
Footage from the area indicates that police personnel were aiding travellers and drivers in moving their vehicles as snowfall continued. Local authorities also coordinated the rescue operations.
The arrival of many tourists from other parts of the country and abroad coming to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains has compounded the situation.
While the authorities were grappling with the logistical problems of taking people out of Manali because of snow, Shimla, the capital, was just topped with a pure white sheet of snow, blowing the whole city with new hope and happiness.
It's a wonderful snowfall that has started after a two-week gap since the first snowfall on December 8; it is not only pleasing to the visitors but has also given a refreshing thrust to the local tourism industry, which is still struggling to cope with the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors are prolonging their stay because of the magnificent snowy hills, thus making this a season for everyone to celebrate. The unforeseen snowfall has generated anticipation amongst people yearning for a "White Christmas."
Meanwhile, local businesses especially in tourism and hospitality, are hoping for a long tourist season to maximize this lovely winter period.
"The snowfall looks so beautiful. The weather is incredible. We were not expecting this at all, but when we woke up this morning, there was snow falling. We were supposed to leave but now decided to extend our stay," said a traveller from Haryana-first time experiencing snowfall, according to ANI.
