<span style="color: #222222;">The rescue and relief operation by the Indian Army which commenced yesterday continued till early morning hours today.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">As per information received from defence PRO, a total of 1217 tourists were evacuated from the forward area of East Sikkim to an Army Transit Facility.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The stranded tourists were provided with medical treatment and comfort, food and shelter. The Indian Army along with civil administration ensured that all tourists were evacuated back to Gangtok today despite the sleet on the roads which presented a challenge to the entire rescue effort.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The soldiers worked tirelessly through the night and morning hours to make this rescue a success.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The tourists expressed their gratitude to the Indian Army for their help and ensuring the well being of their families in the hour of criticality. At the time of writing this report, all tourists have been successfully moved to Gangtok in a safe and healthy condition.</span><br />