Sikkim: Seven killed as avalanche hits Nathu La mountain pass

Seven persons died after an avalanche hit Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim on Tuesday, reported NDTV.

The avalanche struck around 12.15 pm at the 15th Mile on Jawaharlal Nehru road, which connects Gangtok with Nathu La.

“23 tourists rescued till 4 pm including six from the deep valley and shifted to nearby medical facilities of Indian Army,” the Army said in a statement. “Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed. The others were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok.”

Around 6 pm, the National Disaster Response Force called off the rescue operations saying that all tourists and their vehicles in the area have been accounted for, reported The Indian Express.

An unidentified police officer said that tourists were not permitted to travel to the area where the incident happened due to inclement weather, according to PTI. They did so after forcing tour operators and drivers, the official said.

Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is a major tourist destination. It is situated 14,450 feet above sea level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolence to the families of the deceased. He also assured of all possible assistance to those injured.

President Draupadi Murmu also said that she was deeply distressed to learn about the avalanche.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” she said in a tweet. “I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that he was praying for the speedy recovery of those injured, according to PTI. “My heart goes out to the bereaved family and friends in this hour of grief and I pray that the departed souls rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as well as other politicians grief at the deaths.