Following days of torrential rain and devastating landslides in North Sikkim, a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Mangan district administration culminated in the successful evacuation of stranded locals and taxi drivers. The air evacuation operation concluded on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifting 76 army personnel from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport using MI-17 helicopters.
The recent heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides that severely disrupted road connectivity in the region, leaving several areas isolated. The focus of the rescue efforts was initially on airlifting stranded tourists from the affected areas. Over 1,600 tourists were left stranded in the towns of Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang. Several helicopter sorties were conducted to airlift over 140 tourists.
The challenging weather conditions had initially hampered rescue operations, with helicopter sorties temporarily suspended due to persistent bad weather. However, as conditions improved, the IAF intensified its efforts, with the first helicopter sortie of June 6th, 2025, departing from Pakyong Greenfield Airport towards Chaten. These Mi-17 helicopters not only evacuated stranded individuals but also carried essential supplies for Army personnel stationed in the affected areas.
On June 6th, a significant breakthrough was achieved when 44 stranded individuals, including 17 local residents, were successfully evacuated from Chaten through multiple helicopter sorties. This operation was critical in bringing the rescue phase to a close, ensuring the safety of those most vulnerable in the disaster-stricken region. In addition to evacuating people, the helicopters also played a crucial role in transporting essential relief materials. One MI-17 helicopter delivered 1,300 kg of supplies, along with five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, to aid those stranded in the remote regions.
Beyond the immediate rescue and relief efforts, teams from the Power Department and Airtel's telecommunication services were airlifted to restore essential services, including telecommunications and electricity. Using satellite-based technologies and portable backup batteries, these teams worked to restore normalcy in areas rendered inaccessible by road. Additionally, police personnel from the communication branch were deployed to bridge the gap between isolation and service, further supporting the affected communities.
Tragically, the landslides also resulted in casualties. On June 1st, a landslide hit a military camp at Chaten, claiming the lives of three army personnel, injuring four, and leaving six missing. Efforts are still underway to locate the missing soldiers.
The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing continued support to the disaster-affected zone. Officials have stated that the government is closely monitoring the overall situation and is dedicated to providing all necessary assistance to those affected by the natural calamities.
