AVALANCHE HITS EAST SIKKIM: RESCUE MISSION BY INDIAN ARMY, STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAM AND POLICE UNDERWAY
On 04 Apr 23 at about 11.30 AM, a massive avalanche hit the Gangtok-Natu La road between Mile 13 & 17. Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Natu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow. Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army swung into action and launched a rescue mission.
By 3 PM, 14 persons were rescued and taken to nearby Army medical facility. However, seven persons succumbed. The other seven persons were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok. Meanwhile the road has been opened for traffic by BRO. Search and rescue mission for the balance persons is underway by the Army, State Disaster Management Team and Police.This information is based on the information received as per initial details by Indian Army. As of 16:52 hours, it was reported that 27 were rescued till now, and out of that 7 are in a fatal state. Another slide at the same place at 17.35 PM today. Rescue and search operations halted. JNM Road Axis is closed till the snow cleared. All personnel involved in the humanitarian mission are safe.
Summary
Total Rescued – 27
Brought to Nearest Army Hospital – 15
a) Deceased – 6
b) Treated and sent to Gangtok – 9
Fatal cases
1.Rekha Rana, Age – 34yrs
2.Bal Singh, Age – 34yrs, Dept of medical health and family welfare (BHW)
Govt of Uttar Pradesh
3.Saurav Roy Chowdhary
- Un Identified, 06yr old female child
- Adults male identified as Pritam by his friends
- unidentified
- Individual not brought to army hospital
