The Army announced on Wednesday that troops from the Trishakti Corps, alongside the civil administration, are conducting a rescue operation in north Sikkim. On Monday, the first day of the operation, sixty-four tourists were rescued and brought to Mangan, the district headquarters.
By Wednesday, several hundred tourists were still stranded, with rescue efforts ongoing, weather permitting. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Vishnu Lama informed PTI that six helicopters are on standby at Bagdogra airport in neighboring West Bengal. According to an ANI report, tourists are being moved on foot and by vehicles where connectivity remains unaffected by the landslides.
The Indian Army’s signalers assisted BSNL and Airtel in restoring mobile connectivity on Tuesday, as stated by the news agency quoting an Army statement. “Since June 12, the Indian Army installed more than half a dozen telephone booths to facilitate locals and tourists connecting with their relatives,” the statement said, as quoted by ANI.
Additionally, medical teams have set up booths for residents and tourists. Over 115 people have received medical attention so far, including a lifesaving emergency response for a 24-year-old at Lachung suffering from High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The district administration has assured that it is vigilant and ready to meet the needs of the remaining tourists and address any challenges.
सिक्किम में बारिश-भूस्खलन के चलते फंसे से 1200 से अधिक पर्यटक, सेना ने सुरक्षित निकाला#Sikkim #IndianArmy #RescueOperation #AssamFloods #SikkimRains pic.twitter.com/wPwiq2IY92
— Zee News (@ZeeNews) June 19, 2024
On Tuesday, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) MP Indra Hang Subba, the state’s sole Lok Sabha MP, held a meeting with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials and its General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) to discuss the damage caused by landslides and rains.
Rescued tourists expressed their gratitude towards the state government, Mangan administration, various agencies, and local residents for their care and efforts in ensuring their safety while they were stranded.
