After Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal’s instructions, the local administration and NGOs, including Sai Engineering Foundation, managed to transport some necessary items through porters after sudden snowfall blocked the mule track.

A team leader of Sai Foundation, Vijay Kumar Verma, who was in Malana village, said government officials camping there had already disbursed the cash relief. Blankets, quilts and plastic sheets have also been provided to the victims, who have been left completely shelterless and penniless by the devastating fire.

"The weather was still hostile in the village during the day. There was nearly one and half feet of snow and icy winds. Yet, the residents have not lost hope for survival. They were seen salvaging for their belongings in the rubble and used snow to douse the smouldering fire," said Hridesh Bisht, Additional SP, Kullu.

Interestingly, the villagers, as per reports, have found a hidden cache of ancient silver and bronze coins which were probably buried beneath the temples. Six containers of coins have been recovered and the value of these coins could be in crores, say sources.