Massive avalanche in Sikkim, several tourists feared trapped; rescue ops underway

At least six people were killed and a dozen injured after an avalanche struck Nathula border area in Sikkim on Tuesday afternoon, news agency PTI reported, citing an official. Many tourists are still feared trapped under the snow.

The injured are being brought to the state capital Gangtok's hospital. "Rescue and clearance operations are still on," a senior police official said.

The avalanche occured at around 12:15 pm IST and 25-30 tourists got trapped in Avalanche at Mile 14 on JNM road. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) has launched Swift Rescue ops launched under Project SWASTIK. Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army and team of BRO Project SWASTIK swung into action immediately and launched an all-out rescue mission. 

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As many as 22 tourists have been rescued including six from deep valley and shifted to near by hospitals.

Currently rescue operations are being carried out by Sikkim Police, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, Tourism department officials, and vehicle drivers. Some 350 people and 80 vehicles, which were stranded on the road because of the snow blocking the road from Nathu La, were also brought back, officials said.

Nathula Pass is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty.

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