Sikkim- Seven tourists dead, several feared trapped as avalanche hits Nathu La
Sikkim: At least seven tourists were killed and a dozen injured after an avalanche struck the Gangtok-Nathu La road in Sikkim on Tuesday afternoon, the Army said. An estimated 20-30 tourists were feared to be trapped under the snow along with five-six vehicles, the Army added. sikkim avalanche nathu la An estimated 20-30 tourists were feared to be trapped under the snow along with five-six vehicles. “By 3 PM, 14 persons were rescued and taken to nearby Army medical facility. However, seven persons succumbed. The other seven persons were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok,” the Army said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the road has been opened for traffic by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Search and rescue mission is presently underway by the Army, State Disaster Management Team and Police. sikkim nathu la avalanche About 350 tourists and 80 vehicles, which were stranded on the road because of the snow, were also rescued. According to BRO, the avalanche struck 14th mile on Jawaharlal Nehru Road connecting Gangtok to Nathu La pass at approximately 12:15 pm.
A lady was rescued after 1.5 hours of being buried under snow, the BRO said. She is currently being treated at the STNM Hospital in Gangtok. About 350 tourists and 80 vehicles, which were stranded on the road because of the snow, were also rescued. Nathu La Pass, a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty, is situated on the border with China.