A tragic incident has occurred at Tsomgo , one of Sikkim’s most popular tourist destinations, where an avalanche struck near 13th Mile, trapping several tourists. The Sikkim Police from the capital city of Gangtok, along with a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and volunteers, have been mobilized for the rescue operation. It is estimated that there may have been more than 150 tourists in the area when the avalanche hit.
Help line number issued by Sikkim Police : 03592202033 / 8695622101
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) Speaks with Media on Tsomgo Avalanche
Chief Minister visited STNM Hospital in Gangtok on his immediate arrival from New Delhi who was returning after completing an official visit to national capital. CM has assures Free treatment for injured and necessary procedures for those who succumbed in tragic incident.
District Collector DC Tushar Gajanan Nikhare, IAS and SP Gangtok District Tenzing Loden Lepcha IPS – Press Briefing On Tsomgo Avalanche.
Details of tourists killed in avalanche
07 Deaths
1. Shiv Psd Lamichaney () Male Chitwan Nepal
2. Ashika Dhakal (22) Female Chitwan Nepal
3. Bal SIngh (32) Male UP
4. Reby Singh (06) Female UP
5. Sourav Roy Choudhary (28) Male WB
6. Pritam Maitey (38) Male WB , Kolkata
7. Muna Shah Shrestha (29) Female Rupandi, Nepal
As per the preliminary source information incident took place around 12:20 PM. Tourists were on their way when incident triggered.
As per reports, four male, one female and one child have died after being grievously injured following an Avalanche that struck the area, leading to a tourist bus falling into a deep gorge. As per the SP Gangtok IPS Tenzing Loden Lepcha Police source , tourists were permitted till 13th Mile but they forcibly reached 13th Mile where incident happened.
6 to 7 injured are brought to STNM Hospital, Gangtok in Ambulance from the spot. JN Road Taxi Drivers, Tourism Stake Holders , BRO GREF and other volunteers are pressed for search and rescue operation meanwhile.
BRO launches Avalanche Rescue Operation
At approx 1215 hrs on 04 Apr 23 Approx 25-30 tourists got trapped in sudden Avalanche at 14th Mile on JNM road. Swift Rescue ops launched by BRO Project SWASTIK. 22 tourists rescued till now including 6 from deep valley and shifted to near by hospitals. One lady rescued after 1.5 hr buried under snow still breathing. Sent to STNM Hospital.
Rescue ops under progress. In addition 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles rescued after snow clearance from road.
One of tourist who visited the 15th Mile shared photo where tourists are seen enjoying the snow, unfortunately shortly later the Avalanche struck. Recall, tourists were only permitted till 13th Mile however they themselves forcibly reached 15th Mile.
Before and After Avalanche Visuals.
AVALANCHE HITS EAST SIKKIM: RSCUE MISSION BY INDIAN ARMY, STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAM AND POLICE UNDERWAY
On 04 Apr 23 at about 11.10 AM, a massive avalanche hit the Gangtok-Natu La JNM Road near MS 15. Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Natu La are feared to have been buried under the snow. Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army and team of BRO Project SWASTIK swung into action immediately and launched an all-out rescue mission.
23 tourists rescued till 4 PM including 6 from deep valley and shifted to nearby medical facilities of Indian Army. Unfortunately, seven persons have succumbed. Search and rescue mission for the balance persons are underway by the Army, State Disaster Management Team and Police. In addition, 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles rescued after snow clearance from road.
This is the preliminary info. Figures may change over a period of time as rescue operations continue and when more clarity emerges – Lt col Mahendra Rawat PRO DEFENCE
PM Paid Condolence On 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 @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 4, 2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Paid Condolence
My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragic avalanche in Sikkim.
We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 4, 2023
Saddened by the loss of precious lives due to an avalanche in East Sikkim. Search and Rescue Ops are being carried out by the Indian Army, SDRF and other agencies. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2023
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the devastating avalanche in Sikkim.
My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this calamity. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) April 4, 2023
Deeply saddened by the news of many people losing their lives and several tourists being trapped after an avalanche hit Sikkim’s Nathu La.
My deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims.
We have utmost faith in the rescue teams involved in saving lives.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 4, 2023
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of lives in the avalanche that struck the Nathula Pass region of Sikkim. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May they find the strength to overcome this tragedy. I pray for a speedy recovery for those who were injured.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) April 4, 2023
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) Paid Condolence
6:56 PM | Tsomgo Avalanche Update
Another slide at the same place at 17.35 PM today. Rescue and search operations halted. JNM Road Axis is closed till snow cleared. All personnel involved in the humanitarian mission are safe. (Army Source)
Stats as on 01:20 PM 11 persons have been rescued and evacuated to 15th Mile Army Hospital (1320 hrs). Deaths 4 Male, 1 Female, 1 Girl Child.
Casualties 2 Females from Nepal, 3 Males from Kolkata WB. Rescued from Avalanche 2 Females, 1 Males they’ve been sent to STNM Hospital Gangtok.
At 5:45 PM Search and Rescue Operation Called-Off For Today Due To Bad Weather
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