Sikkim: Over 1000 Tourists Stranded due to Snowfall Rescued by Army Jawans

Gangtok, December 28, 2019:

Troopers of the Indian Army rescued over a thousand tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall in the East Sikkim area, on December 27.

On December 27, approximately 1,500-1,700 tourists got stranded due to heavy snowfall between 13th Mile to Nathu La.

[caption id="attachment_48802" align="alignnone" width="660"] Army jawans clearing the road[/caption]

These tourists, traveling in nearly 300 taxis, were returning from Nathu La Pass to Tsomgo Lake on Friday evening, and got stranded midway at various points along Jawaharlal Nehru road, as the motorable stretch was blocked by snow.

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Seeing the dire situation that the tourists had landed in, the Indian Army took action and initiated massive rescue operations, despite poor visibility and inclement weather.

After the operation, the stranded tourists were provided relief including, food, shelter, warm clothing and medicines, to ensure their safety from weather and high altitude.

Around 1,500 tourists, including women, children and elderly persons were rescued and around 570 were accommodated at the Army Camp at 17th Mile. The tourists were later seen interacting with the jawans and having a jolly good time.

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Meanwhile, the Army has provided JCB and Dozers to clear the snow and restore road connectivity at the earliest. The evacuation process will continue till all stranded tourists are safely evacuated to the Sikkim capital Gangtok, reports said.

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