Sikkim: An avalanche struck the Nathu La border area in Sikkim on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least seven people and injuring a dozen others. Many tourists are still afraid of becoming stranded under the snow.
According to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an avalanche struck the 14th Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which connects Gangtok to the Nathu La pass, at 12:15 p.m., trapping 25-30 people beneath the snow.
Also Read: Sikkim Snow Fall: 1,400 Tourists Stranded,20 houses damaged
According to the BRO, approximately 30 visitors were captured by the avalanche, 22 of whom were rescued; however, sources later stated that approximately 80 tourists are suspected to remain stranded.
The avalanche struck the region when several tourists were present near the snow-covered hill side of Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, which connects Gangtok to the tourist attractions of Tsomgo Lake and the Nathula border. Additional losses are expected, despite the fact that relief and rescue activities are underway to free the visitors trapped beneath the avalanche.
#BreakingNews | 6 killed, 11 injured and many feared trapped in #Avalanche on Nathula road in #Sikkim
Rescue operation is underway. pic.twitter.com/67ENbTU9px
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 4, 2023
When the avalanche occurred about 12.15 p.m. on the Jawaharlal Nehru road connecting Gangtok and Nathu La, at least 150 visitors were present.
Nathu La Pass, located on the border with China at a height of 4,310 metres (14,140 feet), is a popular tourist destination.
The site’s videos demonstrated the scope of the tragedy. Hundreds of people were spotted involved in rescue operations and digging out individuals who were stuck.
The BRO said that a woman was recovered after 1.5 hours of being buried by snow. She is currently being treated at Gangtok’s STNM Hospital.
Over 350 tourists are stranded in the area, and 80 vehicles have been evacuated after the road was cleared of snow.
Nathu La Pass, a popular tourist attraction due to its picturesque splendor, is located near the Chinese border.
Someone is seen scooping snow with a shovel in one of the films while a man, half buried, looks up to be rescued.
The Army, State Disaster Management Team, and Police are searching for those who have gone missing.
