Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has hit out at the Centre for sending helicopters without fuel for rescue operations in the rain-ravaged state.
Two Air Force choppers, which were sent on Wednesday to Kinnaur district, the worst-hit in the torrential rains, could not operate due to refueling problems, thus affecting rescue operations in the area. Nearly 500 people, including foreign tourists, continue to be stranded in the district.
"There aren't enough choppers and the ones that have been sent cannot fly because there is no fuel. There is no provision for fuel," Mr Singh said.
The Chief Minister had been stranded for over 60 hours in Kinnaur before he was airlifted on Tuesday along with a dozen other tourists, some of them sick or senior citizens.
Kinnaur has seen its heaviest rain in 20 years.
14 deaths have been reported so far in the state. Hundreds of houses have also been fully damaged owing to the incessant rains and consequent landslides.