Indian army rescues tourists trapped by snowstorm

After heavy snowfall, about 447 tourists were stranded in 155 vehicles at Nathu La-Gangtok road near India-China border. They were rescued by the army and provided accommodation.

Tezpur: About 447 tourists were rescued by timely and prompt action by the Indian Army at Nathu La from the high altitudes near the India-China border following sudden heavy snowfall.

The tourists were stuck on the Nathu La - Gangtok road following a severe snowstorm and sub-zero temperatures on February 18. The tourists were stranded in 155 vehicles over a 15-kilometre stretch and the vehicles started skidding after the snowstorm.

The tourists were rescued in Army vehicles and given accommodation inside the barracks of 17 Mile Military Camp. All tourists were provided with accommodation while 26 were hospitalised. There were no major injuries or casualties.