Avalanche near Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass leaves 7 people killed
Guwahati/IBNS: The massive avalanche in Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass on Tuesday left seven people killed, including a child and a woman, as many others are feared trapped under the snow.
"Massive avalanche hits tourists between Mile 13 & 17 on #Gangtok-Natu La Road. Troops of #TrishaktiCorps assisted by #BRO, SDRF & Police launch rescue mission. 27 personnel rescued so far out of which 7 succumbed to tragic incident. Rescue mission continues," the Indian Army said in a tweet.
Approximately 5-6 vehicles carrying 20-30 tourists on way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow, the Army said.
Rescue operations are currently on with the Border Road Organization, police and the Army.
Massive avalanche hits tourists between Mile 13 & 17 on #Gangtok-Natu La Road. Troops of #TrishaktiCorps assisted by #BRO, SDRF & Police launch rescue mission. 27 personnel rescued so far out of which 7 succumbed to tragic incident. Rescue mission continues@adgpi @easterncomd pic.twitter.com/iItcd1Xl5u
— Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) April 4, 2023
"About 350 others stranded have been rescued after clearing snow from the road," said Lt Col Mahendra Rawat.
The avalanche hit the region when several tourists were present near the snow-covered hillside of Jawaharlal Nehru Marg which connects Gangtok to the tourism spots of Tsomgo Lake and the Nathula border.
The calamity took place 15-17 Mile of Jawaharlal Nehru Marg at around 12.15 pm, about 25 km away from Gangtok.
Expressing distress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that "all possible assistance is being provided to those affected".
"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," the PM tweeted.
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 as dozens of people including locals could be seen involved in rescue operations and trying to dig out those who are trapped.
Top Headlines
-
News
India, China have completed disengagement: Reports
October 31, 2024
-
News
Uzbekistan parties supporting President Mirziyoyev win parliamentary elections as country undergoes reforms
October 29, 2024
-
News
Sanction Indian diplomats, ban RSS: anti-India Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh goes ballistic
October 16, 2024
-
News
Hezbollah drone attack on military base kills four Israeli soldiers
October 14, 2024
-
News
Trudeau govt's vote bank politics: India toughens stand against Canada after latest tirade over Nijjar killing
October 14, 2024
-
News
Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder, sends Salman Khan a message
October 14, 2024
-
News
RG Kar: Bengal junior doctors to hold protest march to Raj Bhavan on 10th day of hunger strike today
October 14, 2024
-
News
Tamil Nadu derailment: 19 injured in Darbhanga Bagmati Express collision with goods train, 13 coaches jump track
October 12, 2024
-
News
Distasteful and disgraceful: Amit Shah on Mallikarjun Kharge's 'won't die till Modi is removed from power' remark
September 30, 2024
-
News
Keep Gods away from politics: Supreme Court slams Andhra govt over Tirupati laddoo row
September 30, 2024