Rescue efforts intensify in Sikkim as IAF evacuates stranded people

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Chaten, June 3: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly launched rescue and relief operations in Sikkim, which has been severely affected by landslides and flooding following heavy rainfall in the northeastern state.

According to available information, the Air Force has rescued a group of stranded civilians from Chatten in North Sikkim.

So far, a total of 1,678 tourists have been evacuated from Lachen and Chungthang in North Sikkim due to landslides. However, over 100 people are still believed to be trapped.

Mangan district has been declared a disaster-affected area. Earlier reports stated that on May 31, three soldiers lost their lives in a landslide at a military camp in Chaten, while six others remain missing.

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In neighbouring Assam, more than 5.35 lakh people across 22 districts have been affected by floods and landslides. So far, 11 deaths have been reported.

15 rivers are flowing above the danger mark, and transportation by road, rail, and boat has been severely disrupted. Over 31,000 people have been relocated to relief camps.

On Tuesday, the Sikkim government also initiated relief and rescue efforts with the help of helicopters. Two Mi-17 V5 helicopters have been deployed for the operation.

The helicopters landed today at Pakyong Greenfield Airport. Additionally, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the region.

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According to sources, in the first sortie of the day, 23 NDRF personnel along with essential supplies were airlifted from Pakyong to Chaten, one of the worst-affected areas.

The NDRF teams are equipped with satellite phones and essential emergency gear. They are expected to carry out drainage, search and rescue operations, and work to establish temporary communication systems to assist stranded and affected residents.

The administration has instructed the teams to explore alternative walking routes and assess the possibility of setting up temporary helipads depending on the weather conditions.