Sikkim snowslide: 7 bodies of tourists recovered

Gangtok: Minister for Tourism, Bedu Singh Panth visited  the 15th mile to take stock of the situation, along with the departmental Secretary.

Rescue mission was going on under SP Gangtok, Tenzing Loden Lepcha,the BRO, Army, Police, Locals and NDRF from Siliguri and Pakyong were actively involved.

The rescue operation for tourists swept away by the snowslide on road to Tsongmu East Sikkim has culminated on Wednesday. It started on Tuesday as soon as the tragedy was reported. District Collector T.Nikhare said that the Army authorities have informed that the incident can only be regarded as a snowslide instead of an Avalanche.

District Collector Tushar Nikhare IAS, in a press briefing, said that no one was found trapped on Wednesday. Tiranga Mountain Rescue teams, radar experts also found no traces of possibly trapped persons. No vehicles were found buried.

Though once the calamity took place, it was described as an avalanche by different authorities, including Defence personnel who made it public, on Wednesday Indian Army specifically said that it was a case of snowslide, not an Avalanche. The latest description has been disclosed by DC quoting the Army.

‘4 bodies have been handed over to respective families, and 3 will be handed over on Thursday, out of total 7 excavated from underneath snow. Our helplines are on, in case of any help required, the Government of Sikkim will help out,’ said Nikhare.