An early snowfall, which started around 7 am today, continued till late evening and nearly three-feet snow was recorded in the village during the day. Icy winds and extreme winter added to the discomfort of the villagers, even as some of houses reduced to ashes were still mouldering. What worsened conditions was the delay in arrival of relief measures.

The rescue and relief teams found it almost impossible to trek the six-km mountainous track to reach the village. The only way out for the families affected was either to take shelter with fellow villagers whose houses were saved or stay under the open sky.

The over 158 houses gutted have rendered 900 persons homeless. Most of them were still looking for protection, clothes, blankets and even plastic sheets. The children were shivering in the cold. The less said the better about cattle, who have no fodder and shelter.

Some of the affected villagers have already started migrating to the lower hills. Bhagi Ram, one such victim, who left the village this morning after the snowfall, said, "I have lost everything. Now I am worried about my two grandchildren who are three and five years' old.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who flew from Hamirpur to reach the village, had to abandon his plans because of inclement weather and heavy snow. He held a meeting with local officials, including Deputy Commissioner Abhisher Jain, at Jari, the base camp for Malana. He directed the administration to provide relief to the victims.

"The government will make its best efforts to restore the glory of heritage village. Initially, Rs 3 crore will be spent in providing relief and rehabilitation," he announced, handing over a cheque of Rs 85 lakh to the Deputy Commissioner. Each family will receive Rs 65,000 immediately."

The scenes at the village were heart-rending. Tara Devi and Meera Devi, two minor daughters of Paras Ram, have been shifted to Kullu hospital with serious burn injuries. The locals feel the fire started from Ganga Singh's house, where both girls were living. The girls are still in shock, finding it tough to recount the tragedy. "After our house caught fire, we ran for safety and raised an alarm. Luckily, we are safe," said Meera Devi.

The Deputy Commissioner, however, said the cause of the fire was still unknown and is being investigated. He said sufficient stock of blankets, quilts and plastic sheets have been despatched to Malana. Since the weather had suddenly turned hostile, the rescue teams are finding it difficult to provide immediate relief. "There is no cause for panic. If the snowfall stops tonight, all fire victims will get the relief," he assured.

However, when this reporter visited the village, several victims were found complaining of delay in help. Ironically, the residents, instead of trying to salvage their personal belongings, were busy in restoration of the temples. All five temples in the village, including that of main deity Jamlu Devta, have been reduced to ashes. The caretaker of one of the temples, Shukru Ram, was seen taking shelter under a thin plastic cover. The villagers believe it was because of the devta's curse that the village caught fire.