Sikkim avalanche: Rescue operations resume; so far seven dead
Gangtok (Sikkim), April 5: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials resumed the rescue operation on the Jawaharlal Nehru road in East Sikkim on Wednesday, where a major avalanche killed at least seven people and stranded several others.
A large avalanche hit the 15th Mile of the Jawaharlal Nehru road between Gangtok and Nathu La on Tuesday at about 11.30 a.m. Search and rescue activities were also carried out by the Army, the State Disaster Management Team, and the police.
However, due to severe weather and the threat of more snowslides, the search and rescue operation was called off around 6 p.m.
According to officials, the avalanche killed seven tourists, including a minor girl, and injured 13 others.
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The deceased have been identified as Shiva Psd Lamichaney, Ashika Dhakal, Rebya Singh, Bal Singh, Sourav Roy Chaudhary, Pritam Matiy and Muna Shah Shrestra.
"Among the 7 deceased we have identified three as Nepal nationals, and two each were from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The Bengal victims will be taken in an ambulance, 2 from Uttar Pradesh will be flown while those from Nepal will be taken by road for which the State Social Welfare department is looking into the logistics of taking mortal remains," Gangtok District Collector added.
The Collector stated that ex-gratia will be granted to the victims in line with the norms for Indian victims, while the decision for Nepal victims will be made by the Home Department.
Gangtok DC said that 13 patients were taken to STNM Hospital, seven of whom were discharged with minor injuries, while six others remain hospitalised.
Tenzing Loden Lepcha, Superintendent of Police of Gangtok, briefed the reporters yesterday evening at the DC office in Gangtok, "Currently weather conditions are bad hence rescue operations are on hold. Again in the morning, another rescue operation will be carried out by NDRF from Pakyong station. State Disaster Relief Force was active."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and expressed his sorrow over the incident.
"Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected," PM Modi said.
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- ANI
