Sikkim Avalanche: The Indian Army, Border Roads Organization (BRO) and police were conducting rescue and search operations for the second consecutive day on Wednesday near 15th Mile on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Sikkim to find out if any other tourists were trapped in an avalanche. . Seven people, said an official.
At least seven tourists were killed and 13 others injured in a massive avalanche that hit East Sikkim’s Nathu La area on Tuesday morning.
The avalanche, which hit at 11:30 am, also affected the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which connects state capital Gangtok to Nathu La on the China border. A total of five-six vehicles with around 30 people were trapped under the snow.
“We have started rescue and search operations since 8 am to find out if any tourist is trapped under the snow near 15th Mile,” East Sikkim District Magistrate Tushar Nikhane told PTI over phone. ‘
Asked where any tourists have been found dead or alive, he said the rescue operation is going on in full swing and details will be shared after the operation is over.
Thirteen injured were admitted to STNM Hospital, where nine of them were discharged after first aid by the treating doctors, while four others are undergoing treatment.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang had visited STNM on Tuesday night and interacted with the injured tourists and directed the hospital authorities to provide all possible care to the injured.
(With inputs from PTI)
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