A tragic incident occurred at one of the most popular tourist destinations when an avalanche hit near 17th Mile, trapping numerous tourists. The Sikkim Police from the capital city of Gangtok, along with a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and volunteers, have mobilized for the rescue operation. It is estimated that there may have been over 150 tourists in the area at the time of the avalanche. As per the preliminary information from local sources, the incident took place around 12:20 PM while the tourists were on their way.
Reports indicate that four males, one female, and one child have died due to injuries sustained from the avalanche, which caused a tourist bus to fall into a deep gorge. According to a police source, tourists were permitted till the 13th Mile but forcibly reached the 15th Mile, where the incident happened. Six to seven injured individuals were brought to STNM Hospital, Gangtok in an ambulance from the spot, and JN Road Taxi Drivers, Tourism Stakeholders, BRO GREF, and other volunteers were pressed for search and rescue operations.
On April 4th, around 12:15 PM, approximately 25-30 tourists got trapped in a sudden avalanche at Mile 14 on the JNM road. Swift rescue operations were launched by BRO Project SWASTIK, and 22 tourists were rescued, including six from a deep valley and shifted to nearby hospitals. One lady was rescued after being buried under snow for 1.5 hours and was sent to STNM Hospital. In addition, 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles were rescued after the snow was cleared from the road. Rescue operations are still underway, and the figures may change over time as more clarity emerges.
According to an army press release, on April 4th, at around 11:10 AM, a massive avalanche hit the Gangtok-Natu La JNM Road near MS 15. Approximately 5-6 vehicles, along with 20-30 tourists on their way to Natu La, are feared to have been buried under the snow. Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army, and a team of BRO Project SWASTIK launched an all-out rescue mission, and 23 tourists were rescued by 4 PM, including six from a deep valley, and shifted to nearby medical facilities of the Indian Army. Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed. Search and rescue missions for the remaining persons are underway by the Army, State Disaster Management Team, and Police. In addition, 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles were rescued after the snow was cleared from the road.
Another slide occurred at the same place at 5:35 PM on the same day, and search and rescue operations were halted. The JNM Road Axis is closed until the snow is cleared. All personnel involved in the humanitarian mission are safe, and the rescue operation will continue as the weather partially clears up.