7 Dead, Several Injured After Major Avalanche Hits Sikkim's Nathula Area

Rescue and clearance operations are underway.

At least seven people have died after a major avalanche hit the Nathula area in Sikkim on Tuesday, 4 April.

Details: The avalanche occurred in the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg area in the afternoon, as per local media

• Located on the India-China border, Nathula Pass' picturesque surroundings attract tourists every year

Loss of lives: Local news reports stated that four men, one women, and a child died in the avalanche. All of them were reportedly tourists.

• The number of those wounded in the natural disaster is 11 and counting

• More still are said to be trapped or buried in the snow

• Rescue and clearance operations underway were called off on Tuesday evening due to bad weather conditions

Offering condolences to the families of the deceased, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected."

• "I am saddened by the incident. Rescue work was carried out by State and NDRF officials. Seven people died and we're trying to ascertain where they are from. If there are more stranded tourists, we'll carry out the rescue operation again tomorrow," Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon."

• "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," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted

(This is a developing story. It will be updated with more details.)