By The Sampadak Express
In a major rescue operation on Sunday, 28 civilians and 20 army personnel were airlifted from Chaten in North Sikkim, where road connectivity has been severely disrupted by multiple landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall.
According to officials, the state government arranged an MI-17 helicopter to carry out the emergency evacuation following a distress call from the stranded individuals. The first sortie safely evacuated 28 civilians, including minors, tourist taxi drivers, and government officials, from Chaten. A second sortie brought back 20 army personnel to Pakyong Greenfield Airport.
The chopper also transported essential supplies for army personnel still stationed at Chaten, ensuring continued support to those on the ground.“
All evacuees have landed safely at Pakyong Greenfield Airport. The government remains fully committed to the safety and well-being of citizens in disaster-hit areas,” an official said.
This evacuation is part of a broader coordinated relief and rescue effort launched by the state in response to the recent landslides that have cut off access and communication in parts of North Sikkim.
Earlier this week, nearly 2,000 tourists were stranded in Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang due to adverse weather conditions. They were evacuated through a combination of road and air operations.
The region has been on high alert since June 1, when a landslide struck an army camp in Chaten, resulting in the deaths of three army personnel, injuries to four others, and six soldiers reported missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing personnel.
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with various agencies to restore connectivity and provide relief to affected areas.
