Indian Army Rescues Over 450 Tourists Stuck Near China Border In Sikkim After Severe Snowstorm

The Indian army has rescued 450 tourists, including women and children, stuck near the India-China border in northern Sikkim, following a severe snowstorm, defence officials said on Thursday (1 April).

Defence spokesman Lt Col P Khongsai said that in prompt action, soldiers rescued the tourists in 120 vehicles stuck amid sub-zero temperatures in the high reaches of Yongdi.

The tourists were rescued and vehicles evacuated by creating vehicle safe lane by clearing the snow, he added. The rescued people were provided medical support, though there were no major injuries among them.

The tourists, who had reportedly travelled to North Sikkim in 120-odd vehicles, got caught in a sudden and severe snowstorm, making the travel unsafe because of heavy accumulation of the white flakes on the road.

"Brave hearts of Indian Army in spite of adverse weather and inclement condition rescued more than 450 tourists including women & children by timely and prompt action at Yongdi in Sikkim near the India-China border following sudden heavy snowfall," said the PRO Guwahati.