How the Indian Army is Responding to the North Sikkim Landslide Crisis

Relief Efforts Underway in North Sikkim

Gangtok: Following a catastrophic landslide in North Sikkim, the Indian Army is tirelessly working to aid both residents and tourists stranded in the area, despite facing severe weather and difficult terrain, officials reported on Wednesday.

A senior official indicated that Lachen village, a key tourist destination, has been entirely isolated. The Army has successfully established foot access to the village and is preparing to evacuate 113 tourists who are currently trapped.

On Tuesday, military helicopters managed to airlift 30 tourists, including several foreign nationals, to safety.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing to find six individuals who remain unaccounted for after the landslide impacted a military camp at Chaten. Those missing include Lieutenant Colonel Pritpal Singh Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Naik Sunilal Muchahary, Sepoy Sainudheen P.K., Squadron Leader Aarti Sandhu (Retd), who is the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Sandhu, and their daughter, Miss Amayra Sandhu.

The Army has mobilized specialized teams and engineering resources; however, their efforts are being severely hindered by adverse weather conditions, unstable ground, and the challenges posed by the high-altitude environment.

In the meantime, as relentless rains have caused floods and landslides throughout the Northeastern region, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, has promised extensive support from the Central government to the impacted states.

Scindia has been in contact with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim, as well as the Governor of Manipur, to assess the situation and express the Centre’s solidarity with the local populace.

During his discussion with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Scindia assured full cooperation from the Centre, stating, “We are dedicated to assisting the people of Sikkim during this difficult period.”

He also communicated with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, offering all necessary support for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Additionally, Scindia spoke with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to address the effects of the severe weather in the state, reaffirming the government's commitment to providing all possible assistance.

On social media platform X, Scindia shared updates regarding his outreach and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to a prompt and coordinated response, standing in solidarity with the northeastern region during this crisis.