All Stranded Tourists Evacuated from Chaten as Search Continues for Missing Soldiers in North Sikkim

KalimNews  with inputs from IPR Gangtok,  June 7, 2025,  Gangtok: In a large-scale, coordinated rescue operation, all stranded tourists have been successfully evacuated from Chaten, one of the worst-affected areas in North Sikkim following the devastating landslides and flash floods earlier this week. The evacuation was officially confirmed by Mangan District Collector Anant Jain on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing relief efforts after the disaster struck on June 3.

On Thursday, 80 individuals, including 63 tourists and 17 local residents, were airlifted by Indian Air Force helicopters. With weather conditions improving, the evacuation continued into Friday, as four helicopter sorties, using MI-02, MI-39, and MI-49 helicopters, were carried out between Pakyong Greenfield Airport and Chaten. The evacuees were airlifted to Pakyong Airport before being transported to Gangtok by buses arranged by the state government. A team from the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department conducted basic medical check-ups at the airport to ensure the evacuees' health and safety.

In addition to medical support, the Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department set up a Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at the airport to assist evacuees. A legal aid clinic, under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) scheme, also provided assistance to those who had lost or damaged vital identification and legal documents during the disaster.

Mangan District Collector Anant Jain praised the collective efforts of the Indian Air Force, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Army, and local communities for their swift and coordinated response. "Our priority was to ensure the safety of every stranded individual. We thank the Indian Air Force and all ground teams for their relentless service," Jain stated.

Despite the successful evacuation of tourists, search and rescue operations are still ongoing for several army personnel who remain missing after the landslide struck a military installation near Chaten. The Army has confirmed the deaths of three personnel, including two soldiers and a porter, while four others are still unaccounted for. Among those missing are Lt Col Pritpal Singh Sandhu, his wife Squadron Leader (retd) Aarti Sandhu, and their daughter, Amaira.

The BRO has been working tirelessly to restore vital road connectivity in the region, particularly near Dedkola and Chungthang. A portion of the Chungthang–Sankalang road collapsed on Thursday night, disrupting travel. Restoration work continues but is being delayed due to unstable soil conditions and ongoing rainfall. Full road connectivity is expected to take another two to three days, weather permitting. Civilian movement beyond Chungthang remains restricted until authorities can ensure safety and accessibility.

The relief and evacuation efforts are ongoing, with helicopter sorties planned for Saturday to deliver essential relief materials to Chaten and evacuate remaining local residents. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring support and assistance for all those affected by the disaster.

In an unrelated incident, 61-year-old tourist Shravanti Datta Roy from Kolkata tragically passed away after fainting near the Hee Water Garden in Dentam, West Sikkim. She had been visiting the state with her husband, Sushital Roy. While not related to the Chaten evacuation, the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and support for all tourists in the region.

Meanwhile, marking a significant step in the ongoing relief efforts, the first sortie of the day, involving two MI-17 helicopters, departed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport. These helicopters transported 1300 kg of relief supplies, including both army and civilian materials, along with five officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department. In another round of evacuations, MI-02 and MI-39 helicopters airlifted 44 individuals, including 17 local residents who had been stranded due to the landslide and road blockages.

With the completion of Friday’s operations, all stranded tourists have now been successfully evacuated. The evacuation operation has officially been called off for the day. As per the current plan, helicopter services will resume on Saturday to continue transporting essential relief materials to Chaten and bring back any remaining local residents who are still trapped in the area.

The administration remains committed to providing all necessary support and is continuously monitoring the evolving situation. Efforts to restore the region's infrastructure and ensure the safety and rehabilitation of all affected individuals will continue in the coming days.