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Key Points

A massive rescue operation is underway in North Sikkim following devastating landslides and flash floods that have cut off critical access routes. Military helicopters from Pakyong Greenfield Airport are conducting crucial sorties to evacuate stranded tourists and deliver essential aid. The operation involves multiple agencies including NDRF, local police, and telecommunication teams working to restore services in isolated regions. Tragically, the disaster has already claimed nine lives, with six individuals still missing, highlighting the critical nature of ongoing rescue efforts.

Key Points: MI Helicopters Deploy for North Sikkim Disaster Rescue

  • Air Force deploys MI-41 and MI-39 helicopters for North Sikkim rescue
  • NDRF personnel airlifted to support disaster relief efforts
  • 113 tourists stranded in Lachen village awaiting evacuation
  • Six individuals still missing after military camp landslide
2 min read

First Air Sortie deployed for North Sikkim disaster rescue efforts

Indian Air Force and NDRF launch critical rescue mission in North Sikkim after devastating landslides, evacuating stranded tourists and restoring essential services

"The goal is to connect with isolated communities and facilitate the timely delivery of aid. - Official Release"

Pakyong, June 5

In support of the rescue efforts on the ongoing disaster in North Sikkim, the first sortie of the day, two MI-41 and MI-39, successfully departed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport towards Chaten early this morning.

According to a release, the aircraft comprises nine personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with their equipment, to provide support for ongoing disaster relief.

Likewise, a team from the Power Department, Government of Sikkim, and Airtel's telecommunication services is also being airlifted. They are on a mission to restore essential services, including telecommunications and electricity, using satellite-based technologies and portable backup batteries in areas rendered inaccessible by road.

As per the release, a team of police personnel from the communication branch with essential equipment are also proceeding towards the affected areas to bridge the gap between isolation and service and restore normalcy in the lives of those affected.

Due to the persistent bad weather in the region, helicopter sorties from Pakyong Greenfield Airport were temporarily suspended, which delayed further evacuations. However, as the weather conditions improved, a mission was carried out with the deployment of two helicopters to assist in the evacuation of tourists stranded in Lachen.

The deployment is to bolster on-the-ground initiatives in the remote region, where recent natural disruptions have significantly impacted access. The goal is to connect with isolated communities and facilitate the timely delivery of aid.

Several days of heavy rainfall have triggered landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and rockfalls in many parts of the state.

Lachen village, the region's leading tourism hub, has been completely cut off. On June 4, the Army established foot connectivity to the village and reached out to 113 stranded tourists, who will be evacuated soon.

On June 3, nearly 30 tourists, including some foreign nationals, were successfully airlifted by military helicopters.

Meanwhile, six individuals are still missing after the landslide struck a military camp in the Chatten area of North Sikkim.

A rescuer from the army, who remains deployed at the spot of the landslide in Chatten that occurred on June 1, said that nine personnel have died in the incident. He added that the area had witnessed incessant rainfall from May 30, leading to a massive landslide.

The missing include Lieutenant Colonel Pritpal Singh Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Naik Sunilal Muchahary, Sepoy Sainudheen PK, Squadron Leader Aarti Sandhu (Retd), wife of Lieutenant Colonel Sandhu, and their daughter Amayra Sandhu.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Salute to our armed forces and NDRF teams working in such challenging conditions! 🙏 The terrain in Sikkim is extremely difficult even in normal times. Hope the weather holds so they can rescue all stranded people quickly. My heart goes out to the families of those missing.
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Priya M.
Why are tourists still being allowed in such sensitive areas during monsoon? The government should implement stricter seasonal restrictions. While rescue efforts are commendable, prevention is better than cure. These operations cost taxpayers crores every year.
A
Amit S.
The mention of satellite-based tech for restoring telecom is interesting. India should invest more in disaster-proof infrastructure for border states. China has built impressive infrastructure across Tibet - we need similar capabilities in our Himalayan regions.
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Sunita R.
Heartbreaking to read about Lt Col Sandhu's family. Our soldiers sacrifice so much even in peacetime. The government must provide the best possible support to their families. Hope the little girl is found safe - can't imagine what the family is going through.
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Vikram J.
Good coordination between state govt, NDRF and armed forces. But we need better early warning systems - IMD should upgrade their forecasting for hilly areas. Also, why isn't there a permanent NDRF base in Sikkim? Having to fly teams from elsewhere wastes precious time during disasters.

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