At least Seven Dead, Several Injured After Major Avalanche Hits Sikkim's Nathula Area

Rescue and clearance operations are underway.

Published on:

04 Apr 2023, 11:39 am

Updated on:

04 Apr 2023, 6:08 pm

1 min read

All the injured, be they from any state, will be treated here for free. Even the deceased will be taken to their residence...We have started the helpline number. We'll come to know how many were tourists, how many died & how many were hospitalized, by tomorrow. It's already night and it will be tough to ascertain. There could be 2-3 more who may be trapped, we will try to rescue them: Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang

All the injured, be they from any state, will be treated here for free. Even the deceased will be taken to their residence...We have started the helpline number. We'll come to know how many were tourists, how many died & how many were hospitalized, by tomorrow. It's already night… pic.twitter.com/s2D6d43h4H
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023

I am saddened by the incident. Rescue work was carried out by State and NDRF officials. Seven people died & we're trying to ascertain where they are from. If there are more stranded tourists, we'll carry out the rescue operation again tomorrow," says Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang

Sikkim avalanche | "I am saddened by the incident. Rescue work was carried out by State and NDRF officials. Seven people died & we're trying to ascertain where they are from. If there are more stranded tourists, we'll carry out the rescue operation again tomorrow," says Sikkim CM… pic.twitter.com/XFpIcuBK1D
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023

Offering condolences to the families of the deceased, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon."

Saddened by the loss of precious lives due to an avalanche in East Sikkim: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

"Saddened by the loss of precious lives due to an avalanche in East Sikkim. Search and Rescue Ops are being carried out by the Indian Army, SDRF and other agencies. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted

Saddened by the loss of precious lives due to an avalanche in East Sikkim. Search and Rescue Ops are being carried out by the Indian Army, SDRF and other agencies. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2023

Tourists were in restricted area where permission was denied

As per information shared by Inspector General for Checkpost, Sonam Tenzing Bhutia, "Passes are issued for only 13th mile, but tourists are going to 15th Mile without permission. The incident took place in 15th mile."

The SP has stated that the tourists had gone to the not permitted 17th Mile mark aslo, when the avalanche struck.

27 persons were recovered of which seven were fatal.

#WATCH | Rescue operation underway at Gangtok-Natu La road near 15th milestone where an avalanche struck, claiming seven lives.

27 persons were recovered of which seven were fatal.#Sikkim pic.twitter.com/wwPmiqivD0
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023

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.

#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

The avalanche struck around 11.10 AM at 15th Mile in Jawaharlal Nehru road connecting Gangtok with Nathu La when at least 150 tourists were in the area.

Nathu La Pass, at a height of 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) above sea level, is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination.

“23 tourists rescued till 4 PM including 6 from deep valley and shifted to nearby medical facilities of Indian Army. Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed," the Army said in a statement.

Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow, said the Army.

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.

#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