In a statement on Tuesday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said about 120 Israelis in the flood-hit Indian state of Himachal Pradesh were yet to be contacted. Speaking to Statecraft, Dr Karthikeyan Gokulchandran, an IPS officer posted in the state, said, “The administration is trying to trace and rescue the stranded foreigners.”
Foreign Tourists Stranded in Sudden Flood
Friends and families of many Israeli citizens have reportedly informed their foreign ministry that they are unable to reach their loved ones. According to the Consulate of Israel in New Delhi, this is mainly due to damaged communication infrastructure and lack of reception.
“The Ministry itself, along with others on the ground, is trying to reach out to the tourists,” it said in a statement.
Steps Taken by Administration
IPS officer Gokulchandran said that there are some special places where tourists go, but due to landslides caused by the rains, the roads have been closed. Accordingly, the state is trying to clear the way with various types of vehicles, like JCB construction vehicles, and the administration has successfully cleared multiple roads last night.
Saying that people cannot stay there for long, the IPS officer said that people are being evacuated as soon as the roads are cleared. Efforts are being made to restore the state’s mobile network towers so that the families of people stuck in different areas can contact them.
According to yesterday’s media reports, three foreign women along with several other Indian tourists were stranded at Chandratal, Spiti Valley. Speaking on the matter, Gokulchandran said that due to heavy snowfall in Spiti, an assessment is necessary for rescue operations. To this end, it is necessary to take notice of the condition of the area and the health of the tourists (whether they are in a condition to travel), among other things.
He assured that in view of these conditions, if required, these foreign tourists can also be rescued through air services of the state.
“Foreign tourists can call the police headquarters and register the information of their loved ones separately,” he added. Providing reassurances to the family members of those stranded, he said that the administration is trying its best to reach out to those stuck and in need of assistance.
Finally, the officer urged the people to remain calm in such times and reaffirmed that he is getting help from the state government as well as local residents in the search and rescue operations.
EXCLUSIVE: Israeli Citizens, Other Foreigners Stranded Amid Himachal Flash Floods to be Rescued Soon
Speaking to Statecraft, Dr Karthikeyan Gokulchandran, an IPS officer serving in Himachal Pradesh, said that efforts are being made to restore the state’s mobile network towers to facilitate contact.
July 12, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: APA swollen River Beas following heavy rains in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, on 9 July 2023.