At least seven people, including a child, were killed after an avalanche hit Sikkim’s Nathula area on Tuesday. The avalanche occurred near 15th milestone on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.
The avalanche had trapped five to six vehicles along with 20-30 tourists who were on their way to Nathula, according to defence sources.
Troops of Trishakti Corps, the Indian Army and a team of BRO Project SWASTIK swung into action immediately and launched an all-out rescue mission.Till 4 pm, 23 tourists were rescued, including 6 from deep valley and shifted to nearby medical facilities of the Indian Army. Search and rescue missions are still underway in the area.
Apart from this, 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles were rescued after snow was cleared from roads.
