Christ Embassy Northshore

At least six tourists have been killed with many more feared to be trapped in a huge avalanche in .

The deadly avalanche struck near the Nathu La mountain pass, on India’s border with China, in the popular tourist destination Sikkim today.

Officials said that as many as 30 people were injured in the incident in the tiny northeastern state.

Around 22 survivors have been pulled from the snow and taken to hospital, but it is feared there are at least 70 people still trapped as rescuers scramble to their aid. 

The incident took place on the outskirts of the capital of the Himalayan state, on the road to Changu lake, police official Tenzing Loden confirmed. 

Footage from the scene showed rescue workers and local residents crowding at the site of the accident. 

Locals could be seen frantically trying to shovel snow away as they led efforts to free survivors who were trapped. 

Thousands of tourists flock to Sikkim every year, also known as the ‘Land of Mystic Splendour’, located below Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world.

The ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, which has been severely affected by global warming, is prone to avalanches. 

Last year 27 trainee mountaineers were killed in an avalanche in the northern Uttarakhand region.