Northeast Desk, 9th October: The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has taken the lead in conducting extensive operations to restore connectivity and provide relief in the aftermath of a devastating flash flood in Sikkim on October 3 and 4, 2023. The primary focus of these operations is the reestablishment of communication and access to North Sikkim, particularly the severely affected Chungthang area. The dedicated efforts of the Indian Army have already resulted in reaching the isolated village of Rabom, northwest of Chungthang, and commencing the rescue of 150-200 stranded civilians.
Over the past five days, the Indian Army has undertaken a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis comprehensively. This strategy includes providing sustenance to all isolated areas where troops are deployed, reaching regions without military presence, restoring communication links, assessing damage, and planning for long-term reconstruction efforts.
Immediate measures have been taken to account for tourists and locals in affected areas such as Chaten, Lachen, Lachung, and Thangu in North Sikkim. A detailed list of 2000 tourists, including 63 foreign nationals, has been compiled, and essential support like food, medical aid, accommodation, and telephone connectivity is being provided. A helpline has been established to reassure worried relatives about the well-being of the tourists. These efforts will continue until all tourists are safely evacuated, with air evacuations of tourists already underway since October 9, 2023.
Simultaneously, the Indian Army is working on reconnecting villages that were cut off from the outside world. A log bridge over Lachen Chu, connecting Chungthang to Pegong, has been constructed with the help of the ITBP and local residents. A footbridge is being erected from the Chungthang side, further enhancing access. Special teams were sent to open a route to Chaten via Rabom on October 7th, and despite challenging terrain and adverse weather, they reached Rabom village on the night of October 8th. A foot link has been established, and assistance is being provided to the stranded civilians in the area.
The Trishakti Corps Signal Corps is diligently working to restore communication links to North Sikkim, with the optical fiber cable now spanning the Teesta River at a new location, restoring optical fiber-based communication from Rangrang to Chungthang. Plans are in place to restore optical fiber-based communication to Lachung and Lachen, allowing BSNL’s BTS to resume operations and mobile communication to be restored in North Sikkim.
Simultaneously, the Directorate General of the Border Roads Organization (DG BRO) and senior engineering officials from the Indian Army have assessed damage and devised plans for restoring road communication throughout the state. Meetings with the State Government and various agencies, including on-ground reconnaissance with Chief Minister PS Tamang, have been conducted. The Chief Minister has pledged full support, including land availability and forest clearance, for reconstruction efforts.
To ensure the well-being of the people in Chungthang, rations have been provided to the local Gurudwara, and medical aid is available at all locations, with over 1500 patients already receiving treatment from dedicated Trishakti Healers.