Simla: US biker dies in snowstorm, tourists saved

An American mountain biker was killed in a snowstorm in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh where authorities rescued nearly 30 tourists, including foreigners.

Jewel Edward (56) was separated from other members of his mountain biking team during the snowstorm and died at Chhatru near 14,000 ft high Kunzam Pass in the district, 200 km from here last evening, a member of the group identified as Paterson said.

At least 12 foreign tourists trapped in the storm were brought to Keylong by rescue teams while 16 out of 33 tourists from Mumbai who were stranded in Batal for past five days were airlifted.

The US Embassy in New Delhi has been informed about the death of Edward, Bhajan Dev Negi, deputy superintendent of police (headquarters) said.

Meanwhile, the Saach Pass (4413 m) linking Pangi tribal valley with Chamba was opened to traffic after more than six months. The Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) is also open for light vehicles. However, frequent landslides in Rani Nallah area were making the drive risky.

Rains lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh since yesterday.

The maximum temperature dropped by two to three degrees across the state due to heavy rains at some places and the state capital Simla, which experienced 10.9 mm of rains recorded a high of 22.2 degree C against 25.1 degree C yesterday.

The local Met office predicted rains and thundershower at many places.