Seven people have been killed and many others are feared trapped under snow after a massive avalanche near Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass today.
The avalanche struck around 12.15 pm at 15th Mile in Jawaharlal Nehru road connecting Gangtok with Nathu La when at least 150 tourists were in the area.
Nathu La Pass, at a height of 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) above sea level, is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination.
Videos from the site showed the magnitude of the tragedy. Dozens of people could be seen involved in rescue operations and trying to dig out those who are trapped.
Around 22 people have been rescued and moved to nearby hospitals. Among them, a woman who was rescued after being buried under snow for one and a half hours.
"Swift rescue operations were launched by Border Roads Organisation and 22 people were rescued till now including 6 from a deep valley," the Border Roads Organisation said.
The rescue operations are being carried out by Sikkim Police, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, Tourism department officials, and vehicle drivers.
Around 350 stranded tourists have also been rescued after snow was cleared from the road.
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