The Indian army has rescued 450 tourists, including women and children, stuck near the India-China border in northern Sikkim, following a severe snowstorm, defence officials said on Thursday.
Defence spokesman Lt Col P. Khongsai said that in prompt action, soldiers rescued the tourists in 120 vehicles stuck amid sub-zero temperatures in the high reaches of Yongdi.
The tourists were rescued and vehicles evacuated by creating vehicle safe lane by clearing the snow, he added. The rescued people were provided medical support, though there were no major injuries among them.
This is not the first time the Indian Army has come to the aid of people stuck in storms or other natural disaster. They routinely assist passersby whenever in need and also jump into action when there is a natural disaster in other states of the country, where they provide unconditional support, supplies and more.
