Sikkim Avalanche: Rescue Ops Called Off After Another Landslide Hits Nathu La Area

Just hours after a massive avalanche killed seven people on Sikkim's Nathu La mountain, another slide was reported at the same location at 5:35 pm.

As the snow began to fall, rescue operations became more dangerous. As a result of the possibility of additional slides, the DC has suspended rescue and search operations.

Source : PTI

Hours after a massive avalanche hit Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass, killing seven people, another slide at the same location was reported at 5:35 pm. As the snow began to fall, rescue operations became more dangerous. As a result of the possibility of additional slides, the DC has suspended rescue and search operations, the Indian army said. 

Due to the slide, the NH-310 (Gangtok to Nathula), also known as the JNM Axis, has been closed.

The avalanche struck the 14th mile of the Jawaharlal Nehru Road connecting Gangtok to the Nathu La pass at approximately 12:15 pm, according to the Borders Road Organisation (BRO). 

"There was one more slide at the same location at 5:35 PM. It has also started snowing making the rescue ops dangerous. Accordingly, the rescue and search ops have been called off by the DC due to fear of more slides. The JNM Axis is closed now due to the slide," according to an Indian Army official.

All tourists and tourist vehicles have been accounted for, according to an NDRF (national disaster response force) official. The operations have been terminated, and the NDRF is no longer required. The identities of the rescued tourists will be revealed later.

PM Modi, And Others Express Condolences Over The Tragic Incident: 

President Droupadi Murmu, prime minister Narendra Modi, union home minister Amit Shah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders expressed their condolences on Twitter following the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of seven people.

I am deeply distressed to learn about an avalanche in Sikkim that claimed many lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish for speedy recovery of the injured.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 4, 2023

Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 4, 2023

Deeply saddened by the news of many people losing their lives and several tourists being trapped after an avalanche hit Sikkim’s Nathu La.

My deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims.

We have utmost faith in the rescue teams involved in saving lives.

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 4, 2023

My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragic avalanche in Sikkim.

We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 4, 2023