Multi-agency relief operations commence in North Sikkim 34 persons air-evacuated from Chaten

GANGTOK, (IPR): In light of the weather-induced disruptions in North Sikkim, the Government of Sikkim has officially declared the situation a disaster, prompting an urgent and coordinated multi-agency response. Leading from the front, Chief Secretary R Telang, working in close coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), and Indian Army, has launched large-scale relief and evacuation operations to assist stranded civilians and restore critical access to the affected areas of Chaten and Lachen.

Earlier on Tuesday, two MI-17 V5 helicopters successfully airlifted 34 stranded individuals from Chaten to Pakyong Greenfield Airport. Among those rescued were seven family members of Army personnel and 27 tourists. Injured personnel were also onboard and are currently receiving necessary medical treatment. This was the first successful aerial evacuation carried out under the current emergency response plan.

To strengthen on-ground efforts, a team of 23 NDRF personnel, equipped with satellite phones and essential relief equipment, was deployed from Pakyong and has successfully reached Chaten. The NDRF has since begun reconnaissance of alternate transshipment routes and is coordinating with the Indian Army for sustained support.

The Indian Army’s 112 Brigade has established a vital foot route between Lachen and Chaten, enabling the possibility of phased ground movement in areas currently inaccessible by road. The Government of Sikkim has outlined a strategic evacuation plan whereby tourists from Lachen will be moved to Chaten via the foot route and subsequently airlifted, depending on weather conditions.

However, persistent inclement weather, including heavy rainfall in Chaten, prevented any further helicopter sorties. Due to the same conditions, teams from the State administration, who were scheduled to be airlifted today to Chaten, will now be deployed tomorrow to bolster relief operations on the ground.

Despite these challenges, the Government of Sikkim remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals. Senior officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation, coordinating inter-agency operations, and facilitating the rapid deployment of personnel, aid, and communication infrastructure to the impacted regions.

The State administration, under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's directives, is actively coordinating with local authorities to provide relief and facilitate evacuations. With 24/7 monitoring in place, the administration appeals to the public to stay alert and cooperate during this natural disaster with the evacuation teams and local administration.