In response to the devastating landslides and floods that have struck Sikkim in the past week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has mobilized its assets to provide crucial relief and rescue operations. The IAF has deployed Mi-17 and Cheetah helicopters to assist in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the affected areas. The primary focus has been on evacuating stranded individuals, airdropping essential relief supplies, and inserting National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to augment the on-ground rescue efforts.
The extreme weather conditions and challenging terrain have made rescue operations incredibly difficult. Landslides have blocked roads, isolating communities and hampering the delivery of aid. The IAF helicopters have been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles, reaching remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible. According to officials, as of June 5, 2025, 63 stranded people, mostly tourists, were evacuated by helicopters from Chaten in north Sikkim. However, approximately 64 tourists remain in Chaten awaiting rescue by the army and local administration. Due to inclement weather and challenging terrains, the operation to rescue the remaining tourists was called off.
Specifically, two MI-17 helicopters were used to evacuate 39 people from Chaten to Pakyong airport. Additionally, a Cheetah helicopter evacuated four people, while another MI-17 chopper flew directly from Bagdogra in West Bengal to Chaten, airlifting 20 passengers. Two MI-17 V5 helicopters are stationed at Pakyong airport for further evacuation missions. The state government officials are working closely with the armed forces to ensure the safety of the stranded people and provide them with the necessary assistance.
The relief operations are not limited to airlifts alone. The IAF is also airdropping essential supplies to the affected areas. These supplies include food, medicine, and other necessities to help those who have been displaced or cut off from access to resources. Additionally, NDRF teams have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts, provide medical assistance, and help restore essential services.
The challenging conditions have also taken a toll on the rescue personnel. Tragically, three army personnel were killed, and six others went missing after a landslide hit a military camp at Chaten on June 1. Efforts are still underway to locate the missing soldiers.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, has directed state authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations. He stressed the importance of coordinating efforts between the NDRF, SDRF, BRO, and other relevant agencies to ensure that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.
The current focus is on maintaining essential supplies to the affected region, with the Food & Civil Supplies department taking the lead. Satellite phones, rescue equipment, and communication tools have been deployed to facilitate coordination and communication.
The authorities have assured that tourist destinations in Namchi, Soreng, Gyalshing, Gangtok, and Pakyong districts are unaffected by the natural calamities and are open for visitors.
