The Indian Army, today, rescued at least 2,500 tourists stuck at the Nathu La Pass, near the India China border in Sikkim.
The Nathu La Pass, which is a tourist place in Sikkim, witnessed heavy snowfall, on Friday. The tourists were returning after visiting the Nathu La Pass and the Changu Lake, when the snowfall started and soon blocked all the roads. Following the snowfall, approximately 2,500 tourists, including children and women, were stuck at the site.
Kapil Meena, the Magistrate of the East Sikkim district said, “The Army immediately swung into action and rescued the tourists. They were then brought to a camp in 17the (th) Mile area and served food and medicines. Arrangements were being (sic) to transfer the tourists to the state capital.”
Speaking about the rescue operations, a Defence Ministry official said, “300 to 400 civil vehicles were stranded near 17 Mile (army camp) carrying tourists who were returning after visiting Nathu La Pass along the Indo China border.”
A total of 1,500 tourists were provided shelter at the camps in the 17 Mile area (an Army camp on the way to Nathu La Pass and Tsomgo Lake,) whereas the rest of the tourists were shifted to another shelter camp at 13 Mile.
The rescue operations are underway and the Army officials are using two sets of JCB machines and bulldozers, provided by the Border Roads Organisation, to clear the snow and restore road connectivity.
#IndianArmy rescues 2500 #tourists stranded near #India–#China border in #Sikkim https://t.co/xZIl2fS1XR pic.twitter.com/aLS6XInBd6
— EconomicTimes (@EconomicTimes) December 29, 2018
#Relief #RescueOperation.#IndianArmy rescued more than 2500 civilians stuck in more than 400 vehicles around Nathula, Sikkim due to heavy snowfall. All were provided food, shelter & medical care last night. #AlwaysWithYou pic.twitter.com/FoaXnGNXQV
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 29, 2018
