Monday, February 21 2005 19:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: The Indian Air Force today (Feb 21, 2005) rescued 48 foreign tourists stranded in Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir, a top IAF official said.

Air-officer commanding J&K, S K Gehlot told reporters in Jammu that the tourists were rescued from Padam area in Leh district of Ladakh where they were stuck up in an avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall in the last 15 days.

They were taken to safer places and later sent to New Delhi, he said.