New Delhi: The Indian Army rescued around 1,027 tourists at Nathu La, in the upper reaches of East Sikkim near the China border, who were stuck amid the heavy snowfall in the region on Saturday, reported ANI. Severe snowfall covered areas of Nathu La, Tsomgo, and adjoining areas on Saturday afternoon, dipping temperature to sub-zero levels.
In a press release, the Indian Army informed: “After the heavy snowfall, the vehicles started skidding on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg that connects these areas with Gangtok. Altogether, there were approximately 1027 tourists in 120 vehicles, who got stranded over a stretch of 15 kilometres.”
The tourists were rescued in army vehicles and were shifted to a military base camp by the Black Cat Division posted in the area. All tourists were provided with accommodations, hot meals, warm clothing, and critical medical support.
Member of Lok Sabha from Arunachal West constituency of Arunachal Pradesh and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju advised tourists visiting Tawang and added that the road is extremely dangerous to drive and that the temperature dips down to minus 25 degrees celsius.
"Advise to tourists visiting Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh at this point of time. It is reported heavy snow fall between Baishakhi, Sela Pass and Nuranang. Pls get proper information before you move because the road is extremely dengerous to drive and temperature goes down to -25 !" tweeted the Minister.