Locals in Lahaul-Spiti Help Trapped Visitors and Win Everyone's Hearts

Incessant rains, untimely snowfall and landslides in Lahaul Spiti led to the blockage and damage of the link roads. Most of the district was disconnected from the rest of the state. As a result, many tourists and locals were trapped. 

The roads to Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita National Park were blocked. To make the situation worse, there were no eateries around these locations, adding to the distress of the ones who were trapped. These people arrived at Koksar-Sissu, starving for food. Some of the migrant labourers, daily wagers, drivers who arrived here were unable to afford meals too. 

There have been instances in India, particularly to recollect the 2013 natural disasters in Kedarnath, many took advantage of the situation and restaurateurs raised their rates at such times of crisis. 

But Lahaul Spiti reacted in a very kind and generous way as many locals went out of their way and brought food from their home and distributed it among the stranded people,free of cost. 

The Mahila Mandal and Yuva Mandal of Koksar panchayat were active participants in the initiative and provided free meals and tea starting from morning till evening to about hundreds of these visitors. The stranded people had no words to describe how much they needed this food and they were very thankful to them. The locals left no stone unturned to help the people out. 

Aman Anand Milangpa, a local, through a social media posted on Sunday that until the roads were cleared by the district administration, this was the only relief that they found. He added that he fell short of words to extend his gratitude for these people and that the people around were blessing them for being so kind-hearted. 

The people of the valley have always extended a helping hand. Instead of turning hostile to such situations, they readily come forward. During a similar distress last year, they offered the same service to the stranded travellers. They never fail when it comes to showing their hospitality. 

Have you ever witnessed such acts of kindness? Share your experiences in the comments below.