Northeast Desk, 8th October: In a commendable display of coordinated efforts, 89 tourists who found themselves stranded in the picturesque regions of Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim have been safely evacuated. The rescue operation, initiated by local authorities and the Sikkim Tourism Department, came in response to reports of tourists facing challenges returning to safety due to inclement weather conditions and unexpected road closures.
Responding promptly to the distress calls, the Sikkim government mobilized helicopters to rescue the stranded visitors from Lachen and Lachung. This lifesaving airlift provided much-needed relief to the tourists, ensuring their safe return.
Following their airlift to Mangan, these rescued tourists were further transported to the capital city, Gangtok, via Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) buses. The government has made arrangements for their stay in Gangtok for the day, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Tomorrow, these tourists will be transported to Siliguri through SNT buses, allowing them to continue their journeys to their respective destinations. The successful evacuation operation stands as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the local authorities and rescue teams in managing crisis situations and ensuring the safety of travelers.
In related news, on October 7, 26 students from Meghalaya who were stranded in Sikkim due to the recent flash floods safely arrived in their home state. The joint efforts of the Himalayan Pharmacy Institute, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, and the governments of Sikkim and Meghalaya facilitated their return, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in times of crisis.