Rescue operations in Sikkim have entered their second day as authorities strive to bring relief to areas ravaged by landslides and heavy rainfall. According to reports from officials, the state government successfully evacuated 1,225 tourists from Lachung and nearby regions in the Mangan district on Tuesday.
Vishnu Lama, a key official involved in the operations, highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating, “We have evacuated a total of 1,225 tourists from Lachung and surrounding regions and brought them to Mangan town by road today.” This follows a prior rescue operation on Monday where 64 tourists were safely transported to Mangan, the district headquarters.
Efforts are now focused on evacuating the remaining tourists, estimated to number in the hundreds, contingent upon favorable weather conditions expected on Wednesday. To facilitate the evacuation process, six helicopters stationed at Bagdogra airport in West Bengal are on standby, as reported by Additional District Magistrate Vishnu Lama to PTI.
Military involvement has also played a crucial role in the operations, with soldiers from the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army working alongside local authorities to rescue stranded tourists in North Sikkim. Despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, efforts have been made to restore essential services, including mobile connectivity, crucial for coordinating rescue efforts and providing relief to affected locals and tourists.
District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri has taken personal charge of overseeing the evacuation operations, supported by Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia and a coordinated effort from various agencies including BRO, NDRF, SDRF, local panchayats, and volunteers.
The devastation caused by landslides has led to significant disruptions, prompting the closure of all government schools in the Mangan district on Tuesday. Concerns over student safety, coupled with damaged infrastructure and impassable roads across multiple clusters, were cited as reasons for the closure until further notice.
Reports indicate that roads in several areas have been washed out, requiring stranded tourists to navigate on foot through multiple spots before boarding vehicles to reach Mangan. The landslides, which began on June 13, have claimed at least nine lives across North and South Sikkim, causing extensive damage to homes, power lines, communication networks, and crucial transportation routes including bridges along the Teesta River.
As the evacuation efforts continue, those rescued have been transported from Mangan to Gangtok using vehicles provided by the Transport Department’s Motor Vehicle Division. According to the ADM, arrangements are being made for them to continue their journey to their respective destinations.
Authorities remain vigilant as they navigate the challenges posed by ongoing inclement weather and the need to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by this natural disaster in Sikkim.
