Sikkim's Struggles: Indian Armed Forces Mobilize Amidst Devastating Landslides

Relief Operations Intensify in Sikkim

Gangtok: As relentless rains and landslides cause significant disruption in Sikkim, the Indian armed forces have ramped up their Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiatives to support those affected in the northeastern state.

On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a rescue operation, saving 33 individuals, including two American citizens, from the isolated Chaten area in North Sikkim.

Alongside evacuations, the IAF also delivered essential supplies via air drops and deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to aid the impacted residents.

The IAF shared on X, "In light of the severe landslides in Sikkim, our Mi-17 helicopters swiftly initiated HADR operations, providing relief supplies, deploying NDRF teams, and rescuing 33 stranded individuals, including two US nationals, from the remote Chaten region. Our commitment to saving lives remains unwavering."

Earlier that day, poor weather conditions hindered an evacuation attempt for 113 stranded tourists in Lachen.

An Mi-17 helicopter, which was transporting nine NDRF personnel, had to turn back shortly after departing from Pakyong Airport around 6 a.m. due to low visibility in the Mangan and Chaten regions.

The tourists in Lachen had been isolated for over a day as multiple landslides obstructed key roads, cutting off access to the area.

In response, the Indian Army has stepped in to assist with the evacuation of the 113 tourists, restoring foot access to Lachen and working to stabilize the situation.

The Army stated, "We are leading search and rescue operations in North Sikkim. Despite facing extreme weather and challenging terrain, the Indian Army is aiding locals and stranded tourists in landslide-affected Lachen, which is currently cut off and without power. Foot access has been restored, and we aim to evacuate 113 tourists, with 30 already airlifted. Every life is important, and our efforts will continue."

Meanwhile, search operations are ongoing for six individuals reported missing in the area. Specialized teams equipped with advanced tools are navigating the unstable, high-altitude terrain to locate them.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed, "Search efforts are ongoing for six missing individuals. Despite the unstable ground and high-altitude challenges, specialized teams and equipment are deployed. The Army is determined: every life matters, and every effort continues."

With adverse weather conditions persisting, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Sikkim, predicting heavy rainfall for the next three days.

The IMD has indicated that districts such as Gangtok, Mangan, Namchi, Pakyong, and Soreng are expected to experience severe weather in the upcoming days.