BRO & Indian Army launch major avalanche rescue operation in Sikkim

New Delhi: Trishakti Corps of Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched a major operation to rescue tourists who are trapped in a sudden avalanche on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg in East Sikkim.

At least seven tourists were killed as a massive avalanche hit East Sikkim's Nathu La area on April 4 morning, burying their vehicles under the snow.

The Army & BRO have so far rescued around 23 people from the spot, while seven bodies were pulled out of the snow. The rescued people were taken to a nearby Army medical facility and a state-run hospital.

The weather conditions in the area continued to be harsh and unfavourable due to heavy snowfall, the main reason why rescue ops were paused last night. However, the rescue operations has resumed today at the scene of the avalanche.

Officials said, about 350 people and 80 vehicles that were stuck on the road from Nathu La due to the snow blocking the road were also brought back.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the injured would be treated free of cost and the state government would make arrangements to transport the deceased to their homes.

The mountain pass is a popular tourist destination at a height of 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) above sea level. Although tourists were permitted to ascend to the 13th Mile, local officials said that many of them had climbed to the 15th Mile when they were struck by the avalanche.

There has been continuous rain and snowfall from March 31 in areas such as 14th Mile and 15th Mile in Sikkim. Movement of tourists was as a result restricted up to the 13th Mile Point on Jawaharlal Nehru Road.

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