Sikkim Declares Disaster Amid North Sikkim Landslides; Army, NDRF Lead Relief and Evacuation

KalimNews Desk | June 4, 2025 | Gangtok :  The Government of Sikkim has officially declared the situation in North Sikkim a state disaster, following days of heavy rainfall, multiple landslides, and rising river levels that have severely impacted the region—particularly in Lachen and Chaten. In a swift and coordinated response, the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) have launched comprehensive rescue and relief efforts.

On Tuesday, two Indian Air Force MI-17 V5 helicopters successfully airlifted 34 stranded individuals from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport. The evacuees included 27 tourists and seven family members of Army personnel, along with injured individuals who are now receiving medical care. This marks the first successful aerial evacuation under the current emergency response plan.

The Indian Army’s 112 Brigade has restored foot access between Lachen and Chaten, enabling phased ground movement in otherwise cut-off zones. Approximately 113 tourists remain in Lachen, while 30 have already been airlifted. Further evacuations will proceed based on weather clearance.

In support of the relief efforts, a team of 23 NDRF personnel, equipped with satellite phones and emergency gear, was deployed from Pakyong and has reached Chaten. The team is working closely with the Indian Army to conduct reconnaissance, establish temporary communication lines, and assess alternate ground routes for transshipment of stranded individuals.

Meanwhile, weather-related disruptions forced the temporary suspension of helicopter sorties, delaying the deployment of state administrative teams to the region. Officials have confirmed that deployments are expected to resume once conditions improve.

The state administration, led by Chief Secretary R. Telang and operating under the direction of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, has implemented 24/7 monitoring and inter-agency coordination to manage the crisis. The government has also suspended tourist movement to Lachung from Lachen, as roads remain blocked by debris and landslides in multiple locations.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to the safety of all affected individuals and urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate fully with evacuation and emergency response teams.

Simultaneously, search and rescue operations continue for the missing tourists from the May 29 road accident near Munshithang. A coordinated task force from the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, local police, the IHCAE, fire services, and Forest Department, supported by tourism stakeholders, has been actively scouring affected areas.

Led by Joint Director (Adventure) Kazi Sherpa and Deputy Director Manoj Chettri, the team made another attempt on Tuesday to locate the missing persons near the accident site. Family members of the missing tourists were also present to witness the operations.

The NDRF also conducted extensive searches along the riverbed, while the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), under ASI Dawa Sherpa, continued efforts along the Toong, Ritchu Khola, Chungthang, and downstream belts. On June 1 and 2, joint teams from NDRF and the Tourism Department covered a 3-4 km stretch downstream, but challenging terrain and weather continue to hinder progress.

Despite these adversities, the unified efforts of military, civil, and local agencies reflect a robust and compassionate response to a disaster that has tested both the infrastructure and resilience of the region.

Authorities continue to assess the situation closely and have committed to providing timely updates to ensure public safety and accountability throughout the crisis.