KATHMANDU, APRIL 5

A massive avalanche killed seven people, including three Nepalis on the Gangtok-Nathu La JNM Road in the northeastern state of Sikkim yesterday.

The statement issued by the District Collector, Gangtok, reported that the avalanche struck the 14th mile on Jawaharlal Nehru Road connecting Gangtok to Nathu La pass at approximately 12:15pm.

According to a statement issued by Tushar G Nikhare, the District Collector in Gangtok, the three Nepalis who succumbed to injuries following the natural disaster have been identified as Shiva Prasad Lamichhane and Ashika Dhakal, 22, of Chitwan, and Muna Shah Shrestha, 29, of Rupandehi.

'About a half-a-dozen vehicles along with 20 to 30 tourists on the way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow,' defence officials said. 'So far, 27 people have been rescued and taken to the nearby army medical facility. However, seven persons have died.' The remaining 20 persons were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok, officials said.

Army, State Disaster Management team and local police are involved in the search and rescue mission. As per the statement, arrangements are being made by the Sikkim government to transport the bodies and hand them over to the concerned authorities.

The weather condition in the area continues to be harsh. This is the main reason why rescue operations were paused last night.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the injured would be treated free of cost and the state government would make arrangements to transport the deceased to their homes.

The natural disaster has also injured 13 Indian nationals. They are receiving treatment at STNM Hospital in Gangtok.

As per the Voice of Sikkim report, nine of the injured persons were discharged after treatment.

According to a Reuters report, rescue teams made final checks today for anyone still trapped in the avalanche. According to CNN report, another 350 tourists and 80 vehicles were rescued after roads were cleared.

Yesterday, 20 survivors were pulled from the snow before the search was called off due to bad weather.

Avalanches have killed at least 120 people in the Indian Himalayas over the past two years. However, after another slide at 5:35pm and with snowing making the rescue operation dangerous, the DC decided to call off the search and rescue effort due to fear of more slides, officials stated.

A version of this article appears in the print on April 6, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.