On Thursday afternoon, 69 people, including 18 foreign nationals, were evacuated from various places from the snow-bound Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The rescued people included Indians from different parts of the country and the foreigners comprised of three Germans, four Danes, two Norwegians, eight Nepalis and one from Bhutan . Rescue operations through air and at ground level are continuing, with the help of Army, mountaineering experts, police and the local people. The rescued people were airlifted and brought to Kullu and their medical examination is underway, an official said. Meanwhile, rescue operation by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) through the Rohtang tunnel is also on. Early snowfall in the higher reaches, cloud burst and heavy rains devastated large parts of the state from September 22 to 24. Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti were the worst affected. Heavy snowfall on the Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) has cut off the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys affecting a large number of tourists and hampering water and electricity supply. More than 700 people are still stranded at various locations including Baralacha La, Joksar, Sarchu, Batal and Chhatru. The IAF has deployed three helicopters in the rescue operation. Rescue operations will continue till all the stranded people are moved to safety.