Guwahati: At least 900 tourists in a total of 89 vehicles were left stranded following a journey to Nathula and Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim on Saturday night. The tourists were delayed owing to severe snowfall while attempting to return to the capital Gangtok, locals stated.
Evacuation operations have been launched in Sikkim and as many as 15 vehicles have been saved so far. According to a police officer, the Sikkim rescue efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Army.
The police officer said that after being rescued, the vehicles are travelling 42 kilometres to reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The substantial snowfall is currently being gradually removed, he continued.
On the other side, the official stated that some of the tourists who were stranded in Sikkim due to the intense snowfall may have to spend the night at the adjacent Army camp. The Army has promised to offer the trapped tourists all the aid they require.
Meanwhile, the administration has temporarily stopped issuing passes for Nathula and Tsomgo Lake due to the significant snowfall in East Sikkim.