Avalanche in Indian Himalayas kills seven people

Iklan
This handout photograph taken on April 4, 2023 and released by the Indian Army shows rescue workers gather at the site of avalanche that hit the Gangtok-Natu La road in India's north-eartern state Sikkim. - Seven people were killed April 4 after an avalanche in the Indian Himalayas struck on the road to a popular tourist destination at the Chinese border, officials said. (Photo by INDIAN ARMY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /INDIAN ARMY - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

GANGTOK - At least seven people were killed Tuesday when an avalanche in the Indian Himalayas struck on the road to a popular tourist destination at the Chinese border, officials said.

Cascading snow buried at least half a dozen vehicles on the route to Nathu La Pass, a scenic outpost and minor trade crossing between India's Sikkim state and Tibet.

Iklan
Iklan

Up to 30 tourists "are feared to have been buried under the snow", defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat said in a statement.

At least 23 people had been rescued by late afternoon and sent for treatment at nearby army medical facilities.

Iklan

"Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed to their injuries at the hospital," Rawat said.

There was no indication that foreign nationals were among those caught in the avalanche. Sikkim police and public officials could not be reached for comment by AFP.

Iklan
Iklan

State disaster response teams and the military were assisting in rescue efforts, according to the army statement. - AFP