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Key Points

Sikkim's North region continues to battle the aftermath of severe natural disasters with a comprehensive rescue and relief operation. The Indian Air Force has been instrumental in airlifting critical supplies and evacuating stranded tourists from the hard-hit Chaten area. District Collector Anant Jain praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies including military, paramilitary, and local teams. The operation highlights the challenging terrain and the resilience of rescue personnel in responding to natural calamities.

Key Points: IAF Helicopters Airlift 1300 kg Relief to Sikkim Disaster Zone

  • IAF MI-17 helicopter delivers essential supplies to Chaten
  • 63 tourists rescued in final evacuation phase
  • Coordinated multi-agency disaster response effort
2 min read

North Sikkim: 1300 kg of relief material airlifted to Chaten as rescue operations continue

Emergency relief operation continues in North Sikkim with IAF helicopters transporting critical supplies to Chaten after devastating floods and landslides

"Our priority was to ensure the safety of every stranded individual - Anant Jain, District Collector"

Gangtok, June 7

A total of 1300 kg of relief material was airlifted to Chaten on Saturday morning as part of the ongoing rescue and relief operations in North Sikkim, following recent disasters in the region, an official statement from the Sikkim Government said.

The first helicopter sortie of the day took off from Pakyong Greenfield Airport, carrying essential supplies and five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, the statement added.

"Marking an important step in the ongoing relief efforts, in the first sortie of the day, IAF's MI-17 helicopter departed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport, transporting essential supplies to Chaten," said the Information and Public Relations Department of Sikkim, adding, "The helicopter is carrying 1300 kg of relief materials and five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department."

Further, the department stated that the same aircraft would also transport army personnel from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport.

Earlier on Friday, in a major relief operation, all stranded tourists were successfully evacuated from Chaten, one of the worst-hit areas in North Sikkim, following recent landslides and flash floods. Mangan District Collector Anant Jain confirmed the evacuation.

DC Anant Jain praised the joint efforts of the district administration, military, paramilitary forces, and local communities for their swift and coordinated response. "Our priority was to ensure the safety of every stranded individual. We thank the Indian Air Force and all ground teams for their relentless service," Jain said.

The final phase of the operation involved Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters airlifting the remaining 63 tourists from Chaten on Thursday, with follow-up sorties resuming on Friday morning as weather conditions improved. The operation was carried out in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local administration.

Earlier in the week, more than 1,600 tourists were rescued by road from Lachung and Lachen valleys in a massive ground operation led by DC Jain. The tourists, including several elderly individuals and children, were safely escorted through challenging terrain and intermittent weather disturbances.

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

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Salute to our armed forces and disaster response teams! 👏 Sikkim's terrain is so challenging, yet they're working tirelessly. Hope the relief reaches all affected families soon. We often take these rescue ops for granted, but today's news reminds us of their importance.
P
Priya M.
While the rescue efforts are commendable, we need better infrastructure in Himalayan states to prevent such disasters. Climate change is making weather patterns unpredictable. More investment in early warning systems and sustainable tourism planning is required.
A
Amit S.
The coordination between IAF, NDRF, ITBP and local administration is impressive! This is how India should function - united in crisis. Special mention for BRO who keep these border area roads functional against all odds. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sunita R.
My cousin was among the rescued tourists. She said the local villagers were the real heroes - sharing whatever little food they had and guiding rescue teams through shortcuts. Mountain communities have such resilience! 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Important to note this is happening near China border. Shows how crucial Sikkim's stability is for national security. Our forces are doing dual duty - disaster relief while guarding borders. They deserve better equipment and salaries!
N
Neha T.
The real test will be rehabilitation now. Temporary relief is good but these families need long-term support to rebuild. Hope the government has a proper plan beyond just headlines. Also, tourists should be more responsible during monsoon season!

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