At least 7 tourists including a child were killed, 13 injured and many others feared to trapped under the snow in Sikkim’s Nathu La border area after a massive avalanche suddenly hit around 12:15pm at 14th Mile in Jawaharlal Nehru road connecting Gangtok with Nathu La pass.

Viral video showing glimpses of the avalanche.

According to the Army who have been tirelessly involved in the rescue operation, said, as many as 23 tourists were rescued, six of which were rescued from deep valley, and 7 were succumbed to death.

The names of the people who lost their lives in the tragic incident has been identified as Shiva Prasad Lamichaney, Ashika Dhakal ( Chitwan, Nepal), Bal Singh, Rebya Singh ( Uttar Pradesh), Sourav Roy Chaudhary, Pritam Maity (West Bengal) and Muna Shah Shrestha (Rupandi, Nepal).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi through his Twitter, wrote that he was distressed by the tragic incident and that "all possible assistance is being provided to those affected."

"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," tweeted the Prime Minister.

While Union Home Minister, Amit Shah wrote, the Centre was closely monitoring the situation.

“My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragic avalanche in Sikkim. We are closely monitoring the situation and the teams of NDRF will reach the affected area soon. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," he tweeted.

Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, on the other hand, said, "My heart goes out to the bereaved family and friends in this hour of grief and I pray that the departed souls rest in eternal peace."

Reportedly, around 350 stranded tourists and 80 vehicles have been rescued after snow was cleared from the JNM road and were sent to Gangtok after medical examination.