Snowfall blocks roads, Army rescues 1,500+ stranded tourists in Sikkim
The Indian Army has rescued over 1,500 tourists near the 17th Mile in East Sikkim, close to the India-China border, who were stranded following heavy snowfall. The tourists were returning from Nathu La and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake yesterday evening when snowfall in the region blocked roads, leaving over 300 to 400 civil vehicles stranded at various points on Jawahar Lal Nehru Road. Details here.
No tourist vehicle allowed on Jawahar Lal Nehru road currently
East Sikkim DM Kapil Meena said the rescued tourists, "served food and medicines." "Arrangements are being made to transfer the tourists to the state capital (Gangtok)," he added. As of now, no tourist vehicle will be allowed to ply on Jawahar Lal Nehru road on way to the border region, Meena said, adding operations are underway to clear the snow and restore road connectivity.
