Guwahati:  A large avalanche near Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass today resulted in the deaths of six persons and the possibility of many more being buried under snow.

At least 150 visitors were present when the avalanche occurred at 12:15 p.m. on the Jawaharlal Nehru road between Gangtok and Nathu La.

Nathu La Pass is a popular tourist site and is located on the border with China at a height of 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) above sea level.

Videos taken from the scene demonstrated the tragedy's scope. It was possible to see dozens of personnel engaged in rescue efforts and working to free the trapped individuals.

22 individuals have been saved and transported to local hospitals. One of them was a woman who had spent an hour and a half trapped in snow before being rescued.

The Border Roads Organization immediately began rescue operations, and as of right today, 22 individuals have been saved, including 6 from a deep valley, the organisation reported.

Sikkim Police, the Sikkim Travel Agents Association, tourism department employees, and vehicle drivers are all participating in the rescue efforts.

Following the removal of the snow from the road, about 350 other trapped visitors were also found and saved.

Rainfall, thunderstorm, lightning likely in these areas till April 5

Rain in parts of Delhi, IMD forecasts rainfall for these states