Tragic Landslide Claims Lives of Three Soldiers in Sikkim
Landslide Incident in Sikkim
Gangtok, June 2: A devastating landslide at a military camp in Chhaten, located near Lachen in Sikkim's Mangan district, resulted in the deaths of three army personnel and left six others unaccounted for on Sunday evening.
Officials reported that the landslide, caused by persistent heavy rainfall in the region, struck around 7 PM.
According to a statement from the Indian Army on Monday, the tragic event led to the loss of three soldiers: Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and porter Abhishek Lakhada.
The bodies of the deceased have been successfully recovered, while four other soldiers who sustained minor injuries have been rescued.
Rescue operations are currently underway, facing difficult conditions as teams search for the six missing personnel, as confirmed by the Army.
The Indian Army has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged to provide all necessary assistance.
In addition, evacuation efforts are in progress in North Sikkim, where heavy rains have left numerous tourists stranded.
The first group of 18 vehicles transporting over 100 tourists from Lachung reached Phidang in Lower Dzongu on Monday.
Evacuations commenced early Monday, coordinated by local authorities, police, the Army, BRO, ITBP, the Forest Department, and various tourism stakeholders.
Officials noted that the severe rainfall has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the partial collapse of two bridges in Mangan district.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) reported that a sudden cloudburst followed by continuous rainfall on May 30 caused widespread destruction in the area.
As per the latest reports, a large convoy consisting of 284 vehicles, 16 motorcycles, and 1,678 tourists—comprising 737 men, 561 women, and 380 children—has successfully crossed the Theng Check Post and is heading towards Phidang.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has advised all tourists to remain vigilant and to plan their travels only after consulting the latest road and weather updates from official channels.