Search and rescue operations will resume today at the location of the avalanche at 14th Mile on the Gangtok-Nathu La Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Sikkim to account for any missing persons. The accident claimed seven lives and injured around 13 people yesterday on the road connecting the popular tourist destinations of Changu Lake and Nathu La border.
Meanwhile, another slide at the avalanche spot last evening and inclement weather had halted rescue operations led by the Indian Army, GREF and the state disaster response force, among others. The Gangtok district administration has informed that around 20 tourists were trapped in the avalanche.
The injured were taken to the STNM Hospital near Gangtok for treatment. Sikkim governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and chief minister PS Tamang visited survivors at the hospital yesterday and assured all support.