Popular tourist destination in Sikkim, Tsongmo, near Nathula Pass, has been hit with major avalanche on Tuesday. the natural disaster killed seven people, according to news agency . Twenty two tourists have been rescued.
Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow, the Indian army has said.
The rescue operations have been called off as ‘all tourists and tourist vehicles have been accounted for’ reported news agency. As per a report received from Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, 12 tourists are undergoing treatment at Sochaygang and seven are reportedly dead, the NDRF has informed.
The Indian Army informed, “There was one more slide at the same location at 5.35pm on Gangtok- Nathula road. 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".
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's office tweeted, “Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected".
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday condoled the death of tourists in an avalanche in Sikkim and said the central government is closely monitoring the situation.
"My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragic avalanche in Sikkim. We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," Shah tweeted.
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