After a major avalanche hit the Nathu La mountain in Sikkim on Tuesday, at least seven people died and several more are thought to be trapped, according to news agency PTI. More than 150 tourists were reportedly there when the avalanche struck, thus rescue efforts have been begun.
“Swift rescue operations were launched by Border Roads Organisation and 22 people were rescued till now including 6 from a deep valley,” reported news PTI quoting official
Till 3 o’clock, at least 50 more tourists were stuck. The army, state police, and local volunteers, according to the authorities, had come to their assistance. A renowned tourist site, the mountain pass is located 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) above sea level.
The road from Nathu La was blocked by snow, trapping roughly 350 people and 80 vehicles, according to officials, who also brought them back.
The national disaster reaction force (NDRF) teams are currently their route to the Sikkim avalanche location near Nathula Pass, according to Home Minister Amit Shah.
“It has also started snowing making the rescue operation dangerous. Accordingly, the rescue and search operations have been called off by the District Administration due to fear of more slides. The JNM Axis is closed now due to the slide,” said India Army.
Snowfall has been a frequent thing in Sikkim since March, making it difficult for visitors to get the 13th Mile on JN Road, which leads to the Nathula pass.
Tourists were allowed to climb to the 13th Mile, but according to Sikkim government officials, several of them had reached the 15th Mile before being struck by the avalanche.
Also Read: OnePlus 11: Top variant with innovative features to launch in India, specs and all other details here
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
