Inputs by Shuchi Giridhar
In the first week of April, Sikkim had unexpected rainfall. At the same time, the tourists had started arriving at the popular hill destination to mark the start of summers. Sikkim is located on the border between India and China and renowned for its scenic beauty.
On the 3rd of April, rainfall started at 6:00 pm and went on till 2:30 am (4th April).
On the 4th of April, an avalanche took place between the 14 mile and 15 mile check posts on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, aka NH31A. This highway connects Gangtok to Nathula pass, which is an important pass and border with China.
An avalanche is when a lot of snow suddenly comes down a slope. Like a landslide is when a lot of earth, trees, etc. fall down the slope of a hill.
The video above shows the moment of the avalanche. The area was heavily snowed in for at least 3-4 days before this avalanche. Only army vehicles were plying on the road.
This area is at an estimated altitude of about 10,500 feet.
The avalanche is estimated to have taken place at about 12:20 PM.
Over 150 tourists were feared to be trapped in the avalanche.
From the site, 20 tourists were rescued. Around 350 people were also brought back by the Army, with 80 vehicles that were stranded due to snow blocking the path.
The video above shows rescue operations in which a JCB is trying to clear the road while the tourists wait.
At 5:35 pm, the Army reported that there was another avalanche along Gangtok-Nathula.
Since snowfall had begun again, the rescue mission, being extremely risky, was called off for the night.
The rest of the rescue mission was completed the following day.
Image credit:
Area map from Google Maps
Videos of avalanche and rescue operations shared on Whatsapp by locals.