Tourists in India have been left stranded in their vehicles on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road which connects to the Nathula border after heavy snowfall impeded their ferry to the Changu Lake tourist attraction.
The snowfall which began Saturday afternoon has been recorded as the highest this year.
Local Sikkim Police say the stranded tourists will be escorted to an army settlement until rescuers arrive at the location.
“Over 100 connecting chains are being taken to move the stuck vehicles in the snow,” said a Sikkim police spokesperson. “The 15th mile, along the JLN road, is the worst affected, inclusive of both local and tourist vehicles stuck here the most.”
According to Sikkim Police, the evacuation process has begun, and about 15 vehicles containing tourists have been safely rescued so far.
Rescue operations will be conducted by the Sikkim Police, the Sikkim Tourist board, the Indian Army, as well as major Indian tourism stakeholders.
In the meanwhile, some tourists were seen enjoying themselves in spite of the heavy snowfall.
