Indian Army @adgpi rescues 2500 tourists stranded at Tsongmo lake, Sikkim near #NathuLa after heavy snowfall. India… https://t.co/7S0VKeCDpe — Kuldeep Dhatwalia (@DGNorthEast) 1546065524000

GANGTOK/KOLKATA: The Army launched an overnight operation on Friday to rescue nearly 3,000 tourists from high-altitude areas in Sikkim, close to the border with China.The tourists were stranded on the Gangtok-Nathu La road following a severe snowstorm on Friday afternoon. While 2,500 were accommodated at the barracks at 17 Mile military camp, the rest were taken to 13 Mile camp. The process to bring them to Gangtok began on Saturday.“All the tourists were provided necessary assistance. Some had to be hospitalised and required oxygen support. Army doctors treated them and all are safe. There were no major injuries or casualties. The tourists were in 300-400 vehicles that got stuck and started skidding after the snowstorm,” a senior Army officer said.Sikkim district collector Kapil Meena said nearly 355 tourist vehicles started returning to Gangtok from 17 Mile after the snow was cleared. Nathu La brigade commander Brigadier KS Dhadwal said the local Army unit swung into action after the tourists’ vehicles started skidding in the upper reaches. “All those above 13,000ft were brought down to 9,000ft. We ensured that everyone who required medical help received it,” he said.“Had it not been for the Army, many of us may not be alive. The soldiers gave up their barracks and shared food with us,” said a tourist .