A devastating landslide struck an Indian Army camp in Chatten, located in the Lachen district of North Sikkim, on the evening of Sunday, June 1, 2025. The catastrophic event, triggered by incessant heavy rainfall and a surge in the water level of the Lachen River, resulted in the loss of lives and left several personnel missing. Rescue operations are currently underway amidst challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain.

Tragically, the bodies of three army personnel have been recovered from the site. Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and porter Abhishek Lakhada were identified among the deceased. Four other individuals were rescued with minor injuries. However, the situation remains critical as six army personnel are still missing, including a Lieutenant Colonel, his wife, and their daughter. The landslide struck the military camp at approximately 7:00 p.m., catching many off guard. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the landslide occurred suddenly.

The Indian Army has launched extensive rescue operations, working tirelessly to locate and rescue the missing personnel. Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams are committed to continuing their search efforts. Authorities are also providing full support to the families of the deceased and missing.

The impact of the heavy rainfall extends beyond the army camp, with many areas in North Sikkim remaining cut off due to multiple landslides. ThePrint reported that at least 34 people have died in the past three days due to heavy rainfall-induced floods and landslides across several states, including Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Assam is one of the worst affected, with all seven of its major rivers breaching danger levels.

In addition to the army personnel affected by the landslide, over 1,600 tourists were stranded in Lachung since May 30 due to the heavy rains and landslides. However, on Monday, June 2, officials successfully rescued these tourists. Approximately 150 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, but they are reported to be safe in hotels.

The state government and various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are working together to provide assistance and support to those affected by the natural disaster. Akshay Sachdeva, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Sikkim, along with other high-ranking officials, personally received the evacuated tourists and expressed gratitude for the efforts made to ensure their safety.

The recent tragedy highlights the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and timely response. As rescue operations continue and efforts are made to restore normalcy, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families of the deceased and missing, as well as all those affected by the devastating landslides in Sikkim.