Master Stroke: Ground report from 11,0000ft in snow-clad Lahaul Valley

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday resumed its rescue operation on the fourth day and airlifted 81 people, including six foreigners, from Himachal Pradesh's snow-marooned Lahaul Valley.

The rescue operation was hampered in the afternoon owing to the onset of snowfall in the high hills.

Over 1,000 persons, including 30 foreigners, have been rescued since September 24. Out of these, 211 were airlifted and the remaining evacuated by road via under-constructed Rohtang tunnel, an official statement said.