Lives of as many as 19 people stranded at Dobi in Kullu district due to flash floods and heavy rains were saved on Sunday by prompt action taken by the state Government on the directions of the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, according to an official release here.

It was on the direction of the Chief Minister that the chopper from Air Force was requisitioned to rescue the stranded people at Dobi and all of them were rescued safely.

While presiding over the meeting held here today to take stock of the situation arisen due to the heavy rains for the last few days in the state, particularly in four districts of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, the Chief Minister directed the officers to take all precautionary measures to minimize loss to life and property due to heavy rains in the state.

He said that the people living downstream must be provided early warning so that due to sudden increase in the water level in the rivers due to flash flood does not cause any loss to the lives.

Thakur said that the Public Works Department must ensure that the roads were cleared of a landslide or debris at the earliest so as to ensure smooth flow of vehicles. He said that strict vigil should be kept on water level of Chemera Dam I, II and III and Pandoh and early warning provided to concerned authorities.

It was informed in the meeting that all the 120 people stranded at Koksar have been rescued. Similarly, 23 people have been rescued from Mari and 23 from Rohtang.

Apart from this, 14 other people have been rescued by BRO from Kullu. It was informed in the meeting that as many as 60 sheep and goats had perished due to landslide at Chamba.

It was also decided in the meeting that the Deputy Commissioners be authorized to take decision at their own level for closure of schools in their respective districts, keeping in view the weather conditions.

It was informed in the meeting that the Deputy Commissioners of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Mandi district have decided to close the educational institutions in their respective district for tomorrow due to heavy rains in these districts.