Sikkim: 7 dead in massive avalanche, several feared trapped
What's the story
Seven people, including a child, are feared to have died, while several more are feared trapped after a massive avalanche struck Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass on Tuesday, according to NDTV. There were more than 150 tourists in the region when the avalanche struck, and around 22 people have been rescued and moved to hospitals, reports said.
Statement
5-6 vehicles stuck under snow: Army
"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 Indian Army said while detailing the incident. It claimed that nearly five-six vehicles, along with 20-30 tourists, on their way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow.
Twitter Post
Avalanche aftermath images shared on Twitter
Sikkim | 22 tourists rescued after avalanche strikes at 14th mile on Jawaharlal Nehru road connecting Gangtok with Nathula; rescue operation underway, says BRO.
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023
350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles were rescued after snow clearance from the road. pic.twitter.com/xJAnNR09Bv
Incident
Avalanche hit close to China border
According to reports, the avalanche struck the 15th Mile of the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which connects Gangtok and Nathu La, around 11:30 am on Tuesday. The Nathu La Pass, located at a height of 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) on the border with China, is a popular tourist destination.
Operation
Joint rescue operation underway, 350 stranded tourists relocated
Meanwhile, the Army, State Disaster Management Team, and Police were searching for those who had gone missing. Dozens of people were seen assisting with the rescue efforts, with some digging for those who were trapped. After the snow was removed from the route, officials said that around 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles were also rescued.
Twitter Post
Watch: Videos of rescue efforts
Six dead & many injured after #avalanche hit at 15 mile along the Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) road that connects #Gangtok with #Nathula Pass in #Sikkim.#Tsomgo pic.twitter.com/dEdWZ69aiz
— Arvind Chauhan (@Arv_Ind_Chauhan) April 4, 2023
J&K
Avalanche with Low Danger Level warning issued for J&K
Separately, the Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued a Low Danger Level avalanche warning for the district of Kupwara for the next 24 hours soon after the incident in Sikkim. It advised residents living in the areas to take precautions and refrain from venturing into avalanche-prone areas until further notice.