6 Killed as avalanche hits Sikkim, several tourists feared trapped

Mangalore Today News Network / News18

Nathula, April 04, 2023: Six tourists were killed and 11 others injured in a major avalanche in Sikkim’s Nathula area on Tuesday. Several tourists are feared trapped under snow.

“Rescue and clearance operations are still on," a senior police official here said. Teams of Skkim Police and Indian Army are involved in the rescue operations.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also launched a rescue operation in the area. As many as 22 tourists have been rescued till now including six from deep valley and shifted to near by hospitals.

The avalanche occurred around 12:20 pm at the 14th milestone on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.

Nathula Pass is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty.

Some 350 people and 80 vehicles, which were stranded on the road because of the snow blocking the road from Nathu La, were also brought back, officials said.