There was a heavy avalanche on Tuesday (April 4) in the border area of Nathu La in Sikkim. In this incident, 7 tourists have died and 11 have been injured.
About 80 tourists are feared to be trapped. Army officials gave this information.
The deceased include four men, a woman and a child. Rescue operations are underway on the 15th mile Jawaharlal Nehru Marg connecting Gangtok to Nathu La after the avalanche.
Army officials said that 27 tourists trapped in the snow were rescued. They are admitted to STNM Hospital and Central Referral Hospital in Gangtok.
Seven of these people died. After clearing snow from the road, 350 tourists and 80 vehicles were rescued.
The avalanche occurred at around 12 noon near Nathu La, a high mountain pass near the India-China border.
The hill pass is situated at an altitude of 4,310 meters (14,140 ft) above sea level and is a major tourist destination.
Expressing grief over the accident, PM Modi said that he is distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim.
“My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured get well soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected people” He said .
Inspector General of Checkpost Sonam Tenzing Bhutia told that passes are issued only for 13th mile, but tourists are going towards 15th mile without permission.
This incident happened in the 15th mile. At present, rescue operations are being carried out by Sikkim Police, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, Tourism Department officials and vehicle drivers.
