Indian Army rescues hundreds of tourists stranded in Sikkim
Tourists were stranded in parts of East Sikkim bordering China – Nathu La and Tsomgo – due to heavy snowfall.
The Indian Army on Sunday rescued 1027 tourists stranded in various parts of Sikkim. (December 26)
Since December 25, parts of East Sikkim bordering China – Nathu La and Tsomgo – have experienced snowfall, resulting in stranded vehicles and tourists in the region.
“On 25 December 2021, around 1027 tourists who were stuck in the upper reaches of East Sikkim near the China border at Nathu La were rescued by the Indian Army after heavy snowfall on Saturday,” the Indian Army statement said.
Army personnel from the Black Cat Division stationed in the area intervened, rescued the tourists in army vehicles and shifted them to a military camp located near 17 Mile. All tourists were provided with accommodation, hot food, warm clothing and vital medical aid.
“After heavy snowfall, vehicles started slipping on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg which connects these areas with Gangtok. In all, there were around 1027 tourists in 120 vehicles, who were stranded over a distance of 15 kms.
There was heavy snowfall in Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake and adjoining areas on Saturday afternoon, bringing down the temperature below zero. Parts of North and East Sikkim received the season’s first snowfall and the states saw a huge influx of tourists after the government opened its doors for tourists.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News East India staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
