Gangtok, Apr 4 (PTI) Seven tourists were killed as a massive avalanche hit East Sikkim's Nathu La area on Tuesday morning, burying their vehicles under the snow, officials said.
The avalanche hit the arterial Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, which connects state capital Gangtok to Nathu La at the China border, around 11.30 am, trapping five-six vehicles with around 30 people under the snow, the Army said.
Seven bodies were brought out of the snow and 23 people were rescued alive, including six tourists from a deep valley, a state government official said, quoting reports from the Army.
Among those dead are a woman and a child, he added.
Gangtok District Collector Tushar G Nikhare said three of those dead are from Nepal, two of them are from Uttar Pradesh and two are from West Bengal.
The search operation was called off in the evening due to inclement weather, another official said.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the state-run STNM Hospital in Gangtok at night and met the injured persons.
He said 13 injured tourists were brought to the hospital, and nine of them were discharged after fast-aid.
President Droupadi Murmu said she was deeply distressed to learn about the avalanche that claimed so many lives.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish for speedy recovery of the injured," she said.
Condoling the deaths, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hopes the injured recover soon.
"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," Modi said in a tweet by his office.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre was 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," he tweeted.
Nathu La, situated 14,450 feet above sea level, is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China. It is a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty, and is a part of the centuries-old silk route. Several permits are required to visit the area.
A police officer said the tourists, who fell victim to the avalanche, did not have the permission to travel beyond Milestone 13 due to inclement weather, but they forced the tour operators and the drivers of their vehicles to take them to the area -- between Milestones 13 and 17 -- where the disaster happened.
Some 350 people in 80 vehicles, stranded in the area because of the snow, were brought back to Gangtok after the road was cleared in the afternoon, officials said.
The higher reaches of the East district have been experiencing rainfall and snowfall since Friday, a weather official said.
Forecasts and nowcasts on rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning have been issued, he said.
In the 24 hours till 8.30 am on Tuesday, 50 mm rainfall was recorded by the Gangtok weather station, he added. PTI CORR ACD KDK SSG AMR.
