Sikkim Landslide: Indian Army Rescued 500 Stranded Tourists, All Tourists Stable

GANGTOK: A defense spokesman said on Saturday that the Indian Army rescued 500 stranded tourists, including 54 children, from north Sikkim as torrential rain triggered landslides and roadblocks in sections of the Himalayan state.

On Friday, heavy rain was witnessed in Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang, and tourists who were rescued were traveling to Lachung and Lachen Valley and they got stuck because of a landslide and roadblock.

The army arranged accommodation for tourists by vacating their barracks and the medical team thoroughly check their health condition.

According to a report, “On request from SDM Chungthang, troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army swung into action and rescued the stranded tourists to safety. The stranded tourists included 216 men, 113 women, and 54 children, and they were moved to three different army camps. They were provided with hot meals and warm clothing.”

However in April, after a major avalanche killed seven people in Sikkim's Nathu La mountain pass, another avalanche in the same area was recorded at 5:35 p.m. Rescue operations were tough due to the increasingly dangerous situation as snow began to fall. The DC has paused rescue and search activities due to the likelihood of more falls, according to the Indian army.

The NH-310 (Gangtok to Nathula), commonly known as the JNM Axis, has been closed due to the slide.

PM paid condolence on Twitter, “Distressed by the avalanche in Sikkim. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. Rescue ops are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.”

According to officials, a huge landslip struck the East Sikkim area on March 26 and a landslip that rocked Sokpay hamlet along the Dikchu-Rakdong Road at about 7 a.m. damaged two houses and affected at least 20 families, they added.

There were no casualties, but the landslip damaged multiple public properties and livestock, they added, adding that standing crops were also harmed.

According to officials, the 20 affected households were relocated to safer areas following the event.

They stated that the damage done to the village is being examined.

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