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Key Points

A devastating landslide triggered by relentless rainfall struck the Indian Army camp at Chaten in Sikkim, resulting in the death of three military personnel. Efforts continue to find six missing individuals amidst hazardous weather conditions. The Indian Army, with Lieutenant General Zubin Minwalla overseeing, has intensified rescue operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is closely monitoring the situation, discussing disaster responses with northeastern state leaders.

Key Points: Sikkim Landslide Indian Army Camp Devastated, Three Lives Lost

  • Landslide hits Indian Army camp in Sikkim leaving 3 dead
  • Rescue operations are ongoing under difficult conditions
  • Home Minister Amit Shah contacts CMs of affected states
  • Weather forecasts predict continued heavy rain posing additional challenges
2 min read

Sikkim: 3 dead as landslide strikes Indian Army camp, rescue ops underway

Sikkim landslide claims 3 lives, ongoing rescue efforts amidst harsh weather conditions.

"The disaster unfolded at around 7:00 p.m. following continuous downpours. - Trishakti Corps of Indian Army"

Gangtok, June 2

Three people lost their lives, four sustained injuries, and several remain unaccounted for after a massive landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall, struck an Indian Army camp at Chaten in Sikkim's Lachen district.

The disaster unfolded at around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening following continuous downpours that loosened the mud on the mountainside, sending debris crashing down onto the camp, the Trishakti Corps division of the Indian Army announced on Monday.

Those confirmed dead include Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and Porter Abhishek Lakhada. Their mortal remains have been recovered by emergency response teams.

Four personnel with minor injuries have also been rescued from the site. Rescue operations are still underway for six missing individuals, with efforts continuing despite the hazardous weather and rugged terrain.

Lieutenant General Zubin Minwalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Trishakti Corps, visited the site to personally oversee the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Indian Army has launched a large-scale search and rescue mission to trace the missing personnel, working around-the-clock under extremely challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, the broader flood situation across the northeastern states remains grim.

On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held telephonic conversations with the chief ministers of Assam Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, as well as the Governor of Manipur.

Home Minister Shah spoke to Assam's CM Himanta Biswa Sarma; Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu; and Sikkim's Prem Singh Tamang; as well as the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to enquire about the evolving flood scenario and the preparedness of the states.

The landslide disaster, a consequence of days of torrential rain, has not only damaged local infrastructure but also left over 1,200 tourists stranded in the Lachen and Lachung regions.

Large-scale evacuation efforts have been initiated that are supported jointly by government officials and local communities striving to ensure the safety of those affected.

On Sunday, the River Teesta swelled dangerously in Chungthang, Mangan District, near the former site of the Teesta Stage 3 dam, which was destroyed during the glacial lake outburst flood in 2023.

The rising water levels have sparked fresh concerns over the safety of low-lying areas.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the region through early June, posing additional challenges to rescue and relief operations already underway.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Heartbreaking news. Our brave soldiers face threats not just from enemies but also from nature's fury. Salute to Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and Porter Abhishek Lakhada for their service. 🙏 Hope the rescue teams find the missing personnel soon. Army should get better infrastructure in these sensitive border areas.
P
Priya M.
This is so tragic! Sikkim's terrain is beautiful but extremely dangerous during monsoons. The government must invest more in early warning systems for landslides, especially near army camps. Also, why are so many tourists allowed in such risky areas during peak rainfall season? Safety should come first.
A
Arjun S.
The Teesta river is becoming increasingly unpredictable after the 2023 disaster. We need long-term solutions - better dam management, afforestation in vulnerable areas, and modern equipment for our rescue teams. Jai Hind to our soldiers working in these impossible conditions!
N
Neha T.
While we appreciate the rescue efforts, why does it take tragedies like this for authorities to act? The IMD had warned about heavy rains days ago. Proactive evacuation could have saved lives. My prayers for the victims' families and the stranded tourists. Stay strong, Sikkim!
V
Vikram J.
The China border is just 50km from Lachen. Such disasters make our soldiers' jobs even harder when they're already guarding sensitive areas. Requesting all political parties to keep border infrastructure development above politics. These heroes deserve the best facilities.
S
Sunita R.
Climate change is making Himalayan states more vulnerable each year. Instead of just rescue operations, we need nationwide awareness about sustainable tourism and development in ecologically sensitive zones. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. Om Shanti.

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