Sikkim: Seven Tourists Dead, Over 20 Rescued, Many Feared Trapped After Avalanche Strikes Near Nathu La Pass

An avalanche near the Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim has caused seven fatalities, while many are believed to be trapped under snow.

Around 150 tourists were present in the 15th Mile area of Jawaharlal Nehru road between Gangtok and Nathu La when the avalanche struck at 12.15 pm on Tuesday (4 April).

The Nathu La pass, a famous tourist spot on the China border, is located at 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) altitude.

Videos from the site depict the scale of the calamity, with many individuals engaging in rescue attempts and trying to free those who are trapped.

The Border Roads Organisation has been carrying out rescue operations.

Twenty-two persons have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals so far, including a woman who was helped out after being trapped beneath snow for an hour and a half and six individuals from a deep valley.

Sikkim police, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, tourism officials, and drivers are helping carry out the rescue operations.

The number of stranded tourists rescued after the road was cleared of snow total around 350.