Massive avalanche hits tourists in Sikkim; 7 dead, several trapped

Rescue operations are being conducted jointly by Army, State Disaster Management team and Sikkim Police

At least seven people have died after a massive avalanche hit the Gangtok-Natu La road near MS 15 at around 11.30 AM this morning. Around 5-6 vehicles with 20-30 tourists which were on way to Natu La were trapped under the snow.

Troops of Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army swung into action and launched an all-out rescue mission. They rescued 23 persons and were taken to nearby Army medical facility. However, seven persons succumbed, Army sources told Northeast Live. The others were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok. Search and rescue of the rest is underway.
Locals, however, fear that the number of trapped people could be much higher. Around 70-80 vehicles with over 300 people who were stuck because of the avalanche is also being rescued.
Meanwhile, the road has been opened for traffic. Search and rescue mission for the rest of the trapped persons are underway by a joint rescue team of the Army, State Disaster Management Team and Police.

(This is a developing story)

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