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Key Points

Sikkim faced a critical emergency with severe flooding and landslides disrupting normal life in North Sikkim. The state government mounted an impressive multi-agency rescue operation involving helicopter and ground evacuations to save stranded tourists and locals. District Collector Anant Jain coordinated efforts with military, paramilitary, and local teams to ensure safe extraction from high-risk areas. The comprehensive rescue mission highlighted the state's resilience and preparedness in managing natural disaster challenges.

Key Points: Sikkim Govt Rescues Stranded Tourists in Chaten Flood Emergency

  • Helicopter sorties evacuate 63 tourists from Chaten
  • Multi-agency rescue operation involving IAF and NDRF
  • Massive ground rescue of 1,600 tourists from Lachung and Lachen
  • Extensive flood and landslide damage across Sikkim
2 min read

Sikkim: State government rescues stranded locals, tourists, and taxi drivers in Chaten

Sikkim government launches critical helicopter evacuation for locals and tourists trapped in North Sikkim after devastating floods and landslides

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

Gangtok, June 8

The Sikkim government has arranged a special helicopter sortie for their immediate air evacuation in response to requests made by stranded locals, tourist taxi drivers, and certain government officials stationed at the Chaten area.

The operation comes as part of the ongoing coordinated relief and evacuation efforts being undertaken in view of recent adverse conditions that have disrupted normal road connectivity and access to the region.

The helicopter sortie began this morning from the Pakyong Greenfield Airport, with the first sortie taking off towards Chaten to initiate the evacuation process.

The State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in affected regions.

Rescue and relief operations were being conducted in North Sikkim, following recent floods in the region.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim government is still closely monitoring the overall situation in the region and is providing all necessary support and assistance to those affected.

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.
Great work by Sikkim government and armed forces! 👏 It's heartwarming to see such swift action to rescue our citizens and tourists. The Northeast is our pride and we must protect everyone there, especially during monsoon challenges. Hope the BRO can quickly restore road connectivity too.
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Priya M.
While the rescue ops are commendable, why weren't there better early warning systems? Sikkim faces similar issues every monsoon. We need permanent solutions - better infrastructure, weather monitoring tech, and evacuation protocols. Still, hats off to the brave IAF pilots flying in tough conditions!
A
Amit S.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 This is why we're proud of our armed forces and administration. Coordinating between IAF, ITBP, BRO and local teams - this is true 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' in action. Special mention to DC Anant Jain for leadership. Hope all stranded people reach home safely.
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Sunita R.
As someone who visited Sikkim last year, this news gives me goosebumps. The terrain is so challenging there. Huge respect to the local communities helping in rescue - they know the land best. Tourists should also check weather alerts before traveling during monsoon season. Stay safe everyone!
V
Vikram J.
Good job but question - why are tourists still being allowed in these sensitive border areas during peak monsoon? China border is nearby and weather is unpredictable. Maybe need stricter tourism regulations in June-September? Otherwise same rescue drama every year...
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Neha T.
The BRO does such underrated work in these areas! 🏔️ While we celebrate the helicopter rescues (which are important), let's not forget the teams working round the clock to clear landslides and maintain roads. Sikkim's beauty comes with geographical challenges that need constant attention.

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