A massive evacuation operation is underway in North Sikkim to rescue hundreds of tourists stranded by persistent heavy rains and infrastructure damage, including bridge collapses. Over 1,600 tourists have been moved towards safer areas in a coordinated multi-agency effort.
BY PC Bureau
June 2, 2025 – A devastating landslide struck a military camp at Chhaten, near Lachen in the Mangan district of Sikkim, on Sunday evening, killing three army personnel and leaving six others missing. The catastrophic event was triggered by days of incessant and heavy rainfall that has been battering the region.
Officials have confirmed the identities of the three army personnel who perished in the landslide: Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and porter Abhishek Lakhada. Their bodies have been recovered from the debris. In addition to the fatalities, four other soldiers sustained minor injuries and were successfully rescued from the affected area.
The Indian Army has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of complete support during this period of immense grief. Despite challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain, search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate the six army personnel who remain missing. Multiple teams, equipped with specialized gear and machinery, are working tirelessly to comb through the landslide-affected zone. The continuous rainfall and the unstable nature of the land are posing significant hurdles to the ongoing rescue efforts.
Landslides in North Sikkim killed 3, left 6 security personnel missing, and stranded over 1,200 tourists. Rescue efforts face delays due to rain, blocked routes, and rising Teesta River levels. pic.twitter.com/lPKAWu7PjP
— 🇮🇳 Amαr (@Amarrrrz) June 2, 2025
Massive Tourist Evacuation Underway in North Sikkim:
Simultaneous to the tragedy at the military camp, North Sikkim is grappling with the aftermath of persistent heavy rainfall that has stranded hundreds of tourists in various locations. A large-scale evacuation operation was initiated on Monday, involving a coordinated effort by multiple agencies, including the local administration, Sikkim Police, Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Forest Department, Lachung Dzumsa (a traditional local administrative body), Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Sikkim Hotels and Restaurants Association (SHRA), drivers’ associations, tourism stakeholders, and local residents.
The first significant breakthrough in the evacuation efforts came on Monday when a convoy of 18 vehicles, carrying over 100 tourists who were stranded in Lachung, safely reached Phidang in Lower Dzongu. This marked the beginning of a larger operation to bring the stranded individuals to safety.
Really sad news from North Sikkim. An officer, his wife, their young daughter and 9 soldiers got washed away in a fierce landslide in Lachen, Sikkim.
3 deaths confirmed and search for rest is on.
Prayers for safety of the remaining. Hope they are found soon 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sw9N86Jaiq
— Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) June 2, 2025
Infrastructure Damage and Road Connectivity Issues:
The relentless heavy rainfall has inflicted substantial damage to crucial infrastructure in the Mangan district. Reports indicate the partial collapse of at least two significant bridges, severely disrupting connectivity and hindering movement across the region. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has stated that a sudden and intense cloudburst on May 30, followed by continuous downpour, was the primary cause of the widespread devastation, including the landslides and bridge collapses.
Significant Progress in Tourist Evacuation:
As of the latest reports, a substantial convoy comprising 284 vehicles, 16 motorcycles, and carrying a total of 1,678 tourists has successfully passed through the Theng Check Post and is currently en route to Phidang. This large group includes 737 men, 561 women, and 380 children, all of whom were stranded in various parts of North Sikkim due to the adverse weather conditions and road blockages. The meticulous planning and coordination between the various agencies have been crucial in ensuring the safe passage of such a large number of individuals.
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Advisory for Tourists:
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim has issued an urgent advisory to all tourists, urging them to exercise extreme caution in light of the prevailing weather conditions and the risk of further landslides and road disruptions. The department has strongly recommended that tourists refrain from planning any trips to the affected areas of North Sikkim without first obtaining the latest and most reliable updates on road conditions and weather forecasts from official government sources. This advisory aims to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of all visitors to the state.
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While significant progress has been made in evacuating stranded tourists, the search and rescue operations for the missing army personnel continue to be the top priority. The challenging weather conditions and the unstable terrain remain major obstacles. Authorities are also working to assess the full extent of the infrastructure damage and to initiate repair work as soon as the weather permits. The focus remains on rescuing the missing personnel, providing support to the affected families, and ensuring the safe evacuation of all stranded tourists while closely monitoring the weather situation and the stability of the region.
