Around 3000 stranded tourists were rescued by the Indian Army from Nathu La and East Sikkim’s 17th Mile area close to the India-China border, officials said on Saturday.
(Photo: Twitter/@easterncomd)
Around 3000 stranded tourists were rescued by the Indian Army from Nathu La and East Sikkim’s 17th Mile area close to the India-China border, officials said on Saturday.
The tourists were trapped in the region due to heavy snowfall on Friday evening.
According to officials, they were on their way back from Nathu La and Tsomo (Changu) Lake when snowfall blocked roads, leaving over 300 to 400 civil vehicles stranded at various points along the route.
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The Indian Army immediately launched a relief and rescue mission, quickly helping stranded tourists back to the shelter of military camps where they were served food and medicines.
“Close to 3000 stranded tourists were provided accomodation, medical aid and food by #IndianArmy in rescue operations in Sikkim. Rescue operations on till last man brought to safety @adgpi,” tweeted Eastern Army Command.
#IndianArmyRescue Close to 3000 stranded tourists were provided accomodation, medical aid and food by #IndianArmy in rescue operations in Sikkim. Rescue operations on till last man brought to safety @adgpi @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/tJTqUVox6a
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) December 29, 2018
The Army Command also said that the personnel of the Indian Army stationed at the region vacated their barracks to house the rescued tourists. Officers of the AMC were seen checking on those in need of medical assistance.
Operations to rescue more tourists, clear snow and restore road connectivity are on. No vehicle is being allowed to ply on the road leading to the border region.
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