Guwahati: Seven people, incuding a child and a woman, have been killed and many others are feared trapped under snow after a massive avalanche near Sikkim’s Nathu La mountain pass today.
“23 tourists rescued till 4 PM including 6 from deep valley and shifted to nearby medical facilities of Indian Army. Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed,” the Army said in a statement.
Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow, said the Army.
The avalanche struck around 11.10 AM at 15th Mile in Jawaharlal Nehru road connecting Gangtok with Nathu La when at least 150 tourists were in the area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying “all possible assistance is being provided to those affected” and that he was distressed by the tragedy.
“Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” tweeted the Prime Minister.
Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 4, 2023
Nathu La Pass, at a height of 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) above sea level, is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination.
Videos from the site showed the magnitude of the tragedy. Dozens of people could be seen involved in rescue operations and trying to dig out those who are trapped.
In one of the videos, someone is seen scooping up snow with a shovel as a man, half buried, looks up to be rescued.
Around 350 stranded tourists have also been rescued after snow was cleared from the road.
