Popular tourist destination in Sikkim, Tsongmo, near Nathula Pass, has been hit with major avalanche on Tuesday. the natural disaster killed seven people, according to news agency PTI. Twenty two tourists have been rescued.

Approximately 5-6 vehicles along with 20-30 tourists on way to Nathu La are feared to have been stuck under the snow, the Indian army has said.

The rescue operations have been called off as ‘all tourists and tourist vehicles have been accounted for’ reported news agency ANI. As per a report received from Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, 12 tourists are undergoing treatment at Sochaygang and seven are reportedly dead, the NDRF has informed.

The Indian Army informed, “There was one more slide at the same location at 5.35pm on Gangtok- Nathula road. It has also started snowing making the rescue operation dangerous. Accordingly, the rescue and search operations have been called off by the District Administration due to fear of more slides. The JNM Axis is closed now due to the slide".

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's office tweeted, “Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected".

NathuLa is a major tourist destination and is a part of the centuries-old silk route. Several permits are required to visit the area. The tourists were not permitted to travel beyond Milestone 13 due to inclement weather, but they forced the tour operators and the drivers to take them to the area—between Milestones 13 and 17—where the avalanche struck, a police officer said.

News agency reported that 30 tourists who got trapped under the snow have been rescued and admitted to STNM Hospital and Central Referral Hospital in Gangtok.