Sikkim: Relief and evacuation efforts in North Sikkim have picked up pace following a brief disruption due to persistent bad weather. Helicopter operations resumed from Pakyong Greenfield Airport on Friday morning, with the Indian Air Force deploying Mi-17 helicopters to support disaster relief operations.
The first sortie of the day carried out a critical mission to Chaten, airlifting nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and vital equipment to support ongoing relief operations. The helicopter also evacuated civilians stranded due to landslides and flash floods on its return leg.
Civil teams, including personnel from the Power Department of Sikkim and Airtel, were flown in to restore telecommunications and electricity in areas cut off by road. Police teams carrying essential radio and network gear were also deployed to reestablish connectivity in isolated locations.
Landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have severely affected North Sikkim, particularly the tourism hub of Lachen, which remains inaccessible by road. The Indian Army has established foot access to the village and reached 113 stranded tourists, who are now awaiting evacuation.
Six people remain missing after a devastating landslide struck an Army camp in Chaten on June 1, with nine Army personnel confirmed dead. Rescue efforts will continue, subject to weather conditions and operational safety. The tourism department has suspended permits for travel to severely affected areas, while the rest of Sikkim remains open for tourism.
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