Gangtok: Indian Army rescued up to 1,700 tourists who got stranded between 13th Mile and Natu La in East Sikkim district due to heavy snowfall on Friday.
A press release informed that about 1,500 to 1,700 tourists travelling in nearly 300 taxis, were returning from Nathu La Pass – Tsomgo Lake area on Friday evening when they got stranded midway at various points along Jawaharlal Nehru Road as the motorable stretch was blocked by snow.
Many of the rescued people included women, children and elderly persons. About 570 of them were accommodated at the Army Camp in 17th Mile.
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The rescue was carried out despite poor visibility and inclement weather.
The release added that to ensure their safety from weather and high altitude, tourists were provided relief including food, shelter, warm clothing and medicines.
Also, the Army 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 state capital Gangtok, added the press release.
