Sikkim: Indian Army Rescues Over 3,000 Tourists Stranded In Nathula Pass Due To Heavy Snowfall

Over 3,000 tourists were rescued by the Indian Army on December 28 after they were stuck due to heavy snowfall in Sikkim’s Nathula Pass near the India-China border. The barracks have been vacated by the jawans in order to accommodate the tourists who were stranded. According to a Defence Ministry official, the tourists including women and children have been provided shelter, food as well as warm clothes, reported NDTV.

The tourists were reportedly trapped while they were on their way back Tsomgo (Changu) and Nathula Pass.

The rescue operation

India Today reported that according to East Sikkim District Magistrate Kapil Meena, over 300 to 400 tourists were stuck on different points on the Jawahar Lal Nehru Road. What could have turned into a very difficult situation and maybe even a tragedy was quickly brought under control by the swift rescue operation by the Indian Army.

“300 to 400 civil vehicles were stranded near 17 Mile carrying tourists who were returning after visiting Nathu La Pass along the Indo-China border. The Indian Army immediately swung into action to provide rescue and relief to the stranded tourists including food, shelter, warm clothing and medicines,” the official said.

The official further said that while some stranded tourists have been accommodated at 13 Mile, the rest 1,500 have been shifted to 17 Mile.

In order to restore road connectivity and clear snow, heavy machines and dozers of the Border Roads Organisation have been provided by the Indian Army.

“#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,” the Indian Army tweeted.

#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

Although the Army is now finding it difficult to move the tourists any further due to roads being covered by heavy snow as well as freezing temperature, it has ensured that the evacuation operation will not stop until each and every tourist is moved out towards Gangtok safely. The Logical Indian applauds the efforts of the Indian Army in rescuing the stranded tourists suring such inclement weather conditions.

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