SIKKIM: Massive rescue operations are launched near the Nathula pass on Tuesday afternoon where more than a hundred tourists are feared trapped after an avalanche struck. According to officials in the matter, 6 so far have died and 22 have been rescued out of which 11 are said to injured. 30 others trapped in the 14th mile were rescued and rushed to the STNM Hospital and Central Hospital Gangtok. The six who died are said to have succumbed to their injuries after being rescued at the nearby Army Hospital. The victims include four men, one woman and a child.
Local news reports have stated that at least 150 tourists are feared trapped in the avalanche. “Rescue and clearance operations are still on,” a senior police official here said. Currently rescue operations are being carried out by Sikkim Police, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, Tourism department officials, and vehicle drivers.
Nathula Pass is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty. As per norms, tourists are only issued passes till the 13th Mile, however few them tresspassed the boundaries and ventured into the 15th mile. Inspector General for Checkpost, Sonam Tenzing Bhutia added that the tourists had gone to the not permitted 17th Mile mark, when the avalanche struck around 12 noon.