On 04 April 2023 at about 11.10 AM, a massive avalanche hit the Gangtok-Natu La JNM Road near MS 15. Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Natu La are feared to have been buried under the snow.
Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army and team of BRO Project SWASTIK swung into action immediately and launched an all-out rescue mission.
27 tourists rescued till 4 PM including 6 from deep valley and shifted to nearby medical facilities of Indian Army. Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed.
Search and rescue mission for the balance persons are underway by the Army, State Disaster Management Team and Police. In addition, 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles rescued after snow clearance from road.
This is the preliminary info. Figures may change over a period of time as rescue operations continue and when more clarity emerges.
Latest Update:
Another slide at the same place at 17.35 PM today. Rescue and search operations halted. JNM Road Axis is closed till snow cleared. All army personnel involved in the humanitarian mission are safe.
Source: Indian Army,Trishakti Corps
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee