50 trekkers rescued in Himachal Pradesh

: About 50 IIT-Roorkee students stranded in Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh after heavy snowfall were rescued by Indian Air Force helicopters, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said Tuesday.

The entire trekking team was evacuated to the Army's base camp at Sisu, officials said.

About 500 people, including some foreigners, are reported to be still stranded at Koksar and Baralacha areas.

Officials said all of them are safe and the three IAF helicopters will used in rescuing them.

Thakur said the Centre has assured all possible help and if required more helicopters will be sent for rescuing stranded people.