At least seven people, including a child, have died and many more are missing after a snow avalanche in the Nathu La mountain pass, located in the Indian sector of the Himalayas.
According to the Indian Army in a statement, the authorities have managed to rescue 23 people, who have been sent to Armed Forces facilities near the scene, reports NDTV.
The military authorities have raised to five or six the number of vehicles that may have been buried by the snow, thus predicting up to thirty possible missing persons. It is estimated that up to 150 tourists were in the area when the avalanche occurred.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has expressed his condolences for the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. »Rescue operations are underway and all possible help is being given to those affected,» he said on his official Twitter profile.
In the same vein, Indian President Draupadi Murmu has sent »her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families». »I pray for the success of the rescue and relief operations and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,» she concluded on Twitter.
The Nathu La mountain pass, located in the Indian state of Sikkim on the border with China, is more than 4,300 meters above sea level and is also a major tourist destination.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
