The Indian Army has rescued an estimated 3,000 tourists who were stranded due to heavy snowfall in the Nathu La area in Sikkim near Chinese border, reports Deccan Herald.

The tourists travelling in 400 vehicles were returning after visiting the Nathu La pass, according to Army officials. A release from the Army’s Eastern Command on Saturday (December 29) said that rescue operation were being conducted in Friday (December 28).

“The area between 17 Mile and Nathu La along the Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, received very heavy snow fall on 28 December 2018. This led to 300 to 400 civil vehicles getting stranded near 17 Mile carrying close to 3,000 tourists which included women, children and elderly persons, who were returning after visit to Natu La Pass along the India -China border,” the release stated.

2,500 tourists were lodged at an Army barracks at 17 mile, the rest were provided accommodation at the 13 Mile Army camp. The tourists were provided with warm clothing along with food and shelter by Army Jawans.

“Over 2,500 tourist have been accommodated at army barracks in 17 Mile, while the balance have been lodged at 13 Mile Army Camp,” stated a release made by the Army.

Two sets of JCBs along with bulldozers of the Border Roads Organisation to clear the road have also been provided by the Army.

“The Indian Army has also provided two sets of JCBs and Dozers of BRO for snow clearance and restoration of road connectivity. As per the Indian Army, the evacuation operation will continue till all stranded tourists are safely moved out towards Gangtok,” stated the release.