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350 Tourist Vehicles Stranded in Sikkim Snowfall, Army-Led Rescue Underway

Heavy snowfall in Sikkim's Sherathang belt has stranded approximately 350 tourist vehicles along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road near Tsangu. The army has suspended traffic and launched a coordinated rescue operation with police, GREF, and local residents. So far, 46 tourists, including children, have been evacuated to an Army Transit Camp for safety. Rescue efforts continue for the remaining stranded individuals as the area is known for sudden weather disruptions during this season.

Key Points: Sikkim Snowfall Strands 350 Tourist Vehicles, Rescue On

  • 350 vehicles stranded near Tsangu
  • Army suspends movement, leads rescue
  • 46 tourists moved to Army camp
  • Area prone to sudden heavy snowfall
1 min read

Heavy snowfall strands 350 tourist vehicles near Sikkim's Tsangu; rescue operations underway

Heavy snowfall near Tsangu, Sikkim traps 350 tourist vehicles. Army, police, and GREF launch rescue to evacuate stranded tourists to safety.

"A coordinated operation involving the police, Army, GREF, and residents has been undertaken to evacuate stranded tourists. - Official Report"

Gangtok, February 23

Approximately 350 tourist vehicles are stranded near Tsangu between Sipsu and 16th mile along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road under Sherethang CP/PS jurisdiction following heavy snowfall reported around 11:30 am on Sunday.

Due to persistent snowfall in the Sherathang belt, the army has suspended vehicular movement in the affected stretch as a precautionary measure. Nearly 150 vehicles are likely to be caught between Sipsu and Tsangu (Changu), prompting immediate rescue and regulation efforts.

A coordinated operation involving the police, Army, GREF (General Reserve Engineer Force), and residents has been undertaken to evacuate stranded tourists and drivers from the snowbound area safely.

Around 46 tourists, including children, have been shifted to the Army Transit Camp at 17th Mile for temporary accommodation and safety until weather conditions improve and roads are cleared.

Rescue operations are still underway, and the remaining stranded vehicles will be secured and rerouted once weather conditions improve and the stretch is cleared for safe movement.

Tsangu is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim and attracts thousands of visitors. The area is prone to sudden weather changes and heavy snowfall during this season, often leading to temporary road closures and disruption of tourist movement along the high-altitude route.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So scary for the families with children! Thank goodness for the Army Transit Camp providing shelter. Our armed forces and local police are always the first responders in these situations. Real heroes without capes.
R
Rohit P
While the rescue ops are commendable, the state tourism department needs to be more proactive. Tsangu is a major spot, they should have stronger early warning systems and maybe restrict permits when heavy snow is forecast. This happens almost every year.
S
Sarah B
I was in Sikkim last December. The beauty is breathtaking but the roads can be terrifying. Hats off to the GREF and local residents helping out. It's a reminder of how communities come together in the hills during a crisis.
V
Vikram M
350 vehicles is a massive number! Must be a complete traffic standstill. Hope they have enough supplies and medical aid for everyone stranded. The children must be so frightened. Speedy recovery to all.
K
Karthik V
Jai Hind to our soldiers and rescue teams! Working in that freezing cold to save civilians. This is the India we are proud of. Tourists, please listen to the authorities and don't take risks for a few photos.

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