All shepherds stranded in Himachal's Bara Bhangal area safe: Admin

All shepherds stuck in Bara Bhangal area of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district following a sudden snowfall are safe, an official said in Shimla Thursday.

There were reports about the death of a shepherd and that nearly 50 others were stranded in the area for a few days, Kangra deputy commissioner Sandeep Kumar said.

He said bags of ration were provided to the shepherds by an Indian Air Force helicopter on October 4.

"Baijnath sub-divisional magistrate talked on telephone today with Bara Bhangal panchayat president and secretary, who have informed him that all shepherds are safe and the depot holder is providing them adequate ration," he said.

Kumar said the district administration had provided 430 quintal ration for Bara Bhangal area to the depot holder, who was passing it to people living there.

Adequate ration to last till next May-June is available for Bara Bhangal residents, he said.

"The administration is also considering to send a team consisting a mountaineering squad, patwari and other people to Bara Bhangal to again review the situation there," he added.

Stating that heavy snow has accumulated at Thamsar and Jalsu Jot areas, he urged the shepherds to "stay at their respective places and do not take any risk of coming out of those areas right now.