At least seven people were killed and several others are feared trapped after a massive avalanche that occurred on Tuesday in the Nathu La mountain in Sikkim, reported news agency PTI. Rescue operations have been sent off as more than 150 vacationers were reported to be in the area when the avalanche hit.
"Swift rescue operations were launched by Border Roads Organisation and 22 people were rescued till now including 6 from a deep valley," reported news PTI quoting officials.
At least 50 more tourists were stuck till 3pm. According to officials, the army, state police, and local volunteers had rushed to their aid.
The mountain pass is a popular tourist destination at a height of 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) above sea level.
According to officials, 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.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah also stated that national disaster response force (NDRF) teams are on their way to the Sikkim avalanche site near Nathula Pass.
Another slide was reported at the same location at 5.35pm on Gangtok- Nathula road, according to ANI.
"It has also started snowing making the rescue operation dangerous. Accordingly, the rescue and search operations have been called off by the District Administration due to fear of more slides. The JNM Axis is closed now due to the slide," said India Army.
Since March, Sikkim has been experiencing regular snowfall, restricting tourists' access to the 13th Mile on JN Road, which leads to the Nathula pass.
Although tourists were permitted to ascend to the 13th Mile, officials from the Sikkim government stated that many of them had climbed to the 15th Mile when they were struck by the avalanche.
Due to its scenic beauty, Nathula Pass, which is on the border with China, is a popular tourist destination.
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