North Sikkim Struggles Amid Landslides: IAF and Army Intensify Rescue Operations

Amid severe weather and landslides in North Sikkim, the Indian Air Force successfully evacuated 33 stranded individuals, including two US nationals. Despite challenging conditions, the Indian Army located 113 tourists in Lachen. A coordinated effort involving military and Border Roads Organisation is underway to restore access and provide aid.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 04-06-2025 15:17 IST | Created: 04-06-2025 15:17 IST
North Sikkim Struggles Amid Landslides: IAF and Army Intensify Rescue Operations
Air Force rescues 33 people, including 2 US nationals from landslide-hit Chaten (Photo/ X @IAF_MCC) . Image Credit: ANI
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In the aftermath of torrential rains and destructive landslides, North Sikkim finds itself grappling with isolation and chaos. The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted urgent rescue missions on Wednesday, evacuating 33 people, including two American travelers, stranded in the remote Chaten area.

The air force's rapid response involved deploying Mi-17 helicopters to drop vital relief supplies, insert National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and airlift those affected. A prior attempt to rescue 113 tourists from Lachen had to be abandoned due to adverse weather, as an Mi-17 helicopter was forced to turn back on its way from Pakyong Airport.

The Indian Army, undeterred by the hostile environment, reached Lachen village on foot, ensuring the safety of all stranded tourists while also launching search operations for six missing individuals. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working tirelessly to clear landslides and restore connectivity across the region, including parts of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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