A significant avalanche occurred on Tuesday near the Nathula Pass in Tsongmo, a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. The research indicates that the incident resulted in seven fatalities and numerous injuries. Nonetheless, the crew in charge of rescue operations has so far saved 23 individuals. The Jawaharlal Nehru Road between Gangtok and the Nathu La Pass was hit by an avalanche at milepost 14, according to information from the Border Roads Organization, at about noon.According to the statement by an army officer, an estimated 20-30 tourists were feared trapped under the snow with five to six vehicles trapped under the snow after the avalanche. The people who are injured were administered and returned to Gangtok.The state government has informed people who are injured have been shifted to different hospitals, they further said that people require permits to visit the area. The tourists were not permitted to travel beyond the 13th milestone due to inclement weather, but they forced the tourist operators and drivers to take them beyond that area, where the avalanche struck.Twelve tourists are receiving medical attention at Sochaygang, according to information from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. Since “all tourists and tourist cars have been accounted for,” the rescue efforts have been suspended.The officials disclosed that the deceased have been identified as Shiva Psd Lamichaney, Ashika Dhakal, Rebya Singh, Bal Singh, Sourav Roy Chaudhary, Pritam Matiy and Muna Shah Shrestra.The information shared by the Gangtok District Collector says that “Among the seven deceases we have identified three as Nepal nationals and two each were from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The victims from Bengal will be taken in an ambulance, two from Uttar Pradesh will be flown while those from Nepal will be taken by road. The States Social Welfare Department is looking into the logistics for the mortal remains.”The district collector also said that ex-gratia to the victims will be given as per the norms, but the decision for the Nepal victims will be taken by the Home Ministry.While addressing the media on Tuesday at the DC office, Gangtok Superintendent of Police Tenzing Loden Lepcha said that due to the weather conditions, the rescue operations are on halt. In the morning the rescue operations will be carried out again by NDRF from Pakyong station. He said, “The helpline number has also been set up for the help of tourists and their relatives to know if they are trapped. We are trying to find more tourists left, it will go on until we find the last body,” he said.In the latest update, the Indian army reported one more slide at the same location at 5.35 pm on Gangtok-Nathula road. They also stated that the snowing makes rescue operations tougher and more dangerous. Accordingly, rescue operations take place.Condolences from MinistryPrime Minister of India Narendra Modis office tweeted, “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”.Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday condoled the death of tourists in an avalanche in Sikkim and said the central government is closely monitoring the situation. “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,” Shah tweeted.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, 2023Apart from them, National President JP Nadda also expressed his grief through Twitter.
