In a tragic development, a massive avalanche hit Sikkim, killing at least 7 people, and trapping hundreds of men, women and children at in Sikkim’s Nathula border. The avalanche reportedly struck the area sometime around afternoon earlier on Tuesday, blocking several major roads, and prompting an emergency response from the authorities.
Tragedy struck the beautiful Nathula border in Sikkim, as a major avalanche killed seven tourists and left several others injured on Tuesday afternoon. The incident took place while more than 100 tourists were present in the area, capturing photos and enjoying the scenic beauty of the location. Reports suggest that 22 tourists have been rescued so far, but the rescue operation is still underway.
Nathula Pass, known for its scenic beauty and located on the border with China, is a popular tourist spot. However, the higher altitudes of Sikkim, including Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La, have been receiving heavy snowfall for the past few weeks, making the area treacherous for tourists, Times Now reported.
Rescue and relief operations are underway by Sikkim Police, BRO, Army, government departments, and tour operators. The Indian Army is leading a rescue mission along with state disaster management and police.
So far, 17 tourists have been pulled out from the avalanche and shifted to Army hospitals. However, the search and rescue operation is still ongoing.
The Facts of the Matter
The majestic beauty of snow-covered mountain ranges can be awe-inspiring, but it can also be deadly. The recent avalanche in Sikkim’s Nathula border is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of avalanches.
What started as a picturesque scene of tourists taking in the scenic beauty of the area turned into a nightmare as the avalanche struck, claiming the lives of seven tourists and injuring several others.
While the rescue operations are on, the toll is expected to increase by the hours that follow.
Also Read: Thrilling Footage Shows Skier Rescuing Snowboarder Buried in 6 Feet of Thick Snow | Watch
Video Shows Aftermath of Sikkim Avalanche
After the tragedy unfolded, social media was flooded with videos of rescue operations that followed and continue to be conducted. In a 33-second video shared by ANI, official emergency responders were seen digging through thick heap of snow and rescue anyone who may have found themselves trapped inside it.
#WATCH | Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army undertake a rescue mission at Gangtok-Natu La road near Milestone 15 in Sikkim where an avalanche struck, claiming seven lives.
Seven others were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok. The road has been opened for traffic… pic.twitter.com/oCseR3HVKW
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023
A PTI video gives a more up-close-and-personal view into the rescue. The video pans towards the emergency responders struggling to hold their ground, and rescuing those who are stuck knee-deep in the wall of crushed ice.
VIDEO | Six tourists dead, several others feared trapped as massive avalanche hits #Nathula in Sikkim. pic.twitter.com/d7lT5AYyp1
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2023
In another video making rounds of social media, officials dressed in army uniforms, are seen digging through the snow in a diligent and swift manner. The response of the officials who are seen racing
against time and nature, is applause worthy, with netizens expressing their shock at the nature of the incident.
Indian army in rescue mode! 23 tourists rescued, 7 dead so far as the tragic avalanche strikes near popular tourist destination of Tsongmo lake in Gangtok district #Sikkim. 20 to 30 tourist feared to be buried under snow @prodefgau @BROindia @trishakticorps pic.twitter.com/n7X6hZM6zw
— Nitesh R Pradhan (@NiteshRPradhan) April 4, 2023
Major avalanche in Sikkim's Nathula border area; six tourists dead pic.twitter.com/thxl0tph8D
— Issan Ranjan Sinha (@issanranjan) April 4, 2023
#WATCH | Sikkim: Army, State Disaster Management Team and Police carry out search and rescue mission at Gangtok-Natu La road near Milestone 15 where an avalanche struck, claiming seven lives.
(Video: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/7ZMDlH5SeP
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023
In a tragic incident, at least 6 tourists died after massive avalanche hit road connecting Sikkim 's capital Gangtok with Nathulapass on China border.
350 stranded tourists & 80 vehicles were rescued after snow clearance from the road. Evacuation ongoingpic.twitter.com/S6HOXUAVkI
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 4, 2023
Also Read: Dance of Death – Video Shows Massive Avalanche That Killed 2 Tourists at Gulmarg Ski Resort | Watch
Tourist Bus Fell Into Gorge
According to a report from Voice Of Sikkim, the devastating avalanche struck a group of tourists who were travelling in the area around 12:20 PM, causing a tourist bus to fall into a deep gorge. The tragedy claimed the lives of four men, one woman and a child, and left six to seven others seriously injured.
Also Read: Thrilling Video Shows Solo Climber Surviving an Avalanche by Hanging on Mountain Ledge
Rescue Ops Underway
While tourists were only permitted until the 13th Mile, they ventured further up to the 15th Mile where the incident occurred, according to a police source. Search and rescue efforts are underway, with JN Road taxi drivers, tourism stakeholders, and volunteers joining forces to
The Border Road Organisation (BRO) also launched an avalanche rescue operation, rescuing 22 tourists so far, including one woman who was buried under the snow for 1.5 hours but was found still breathing. She has been taken to the STNM Hospital, along with the other injured.
Personnel of army, BRO, and other locals have joined forces to conduct a swift and timely rescue operation.
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