28 civilians, 20 Army men airlifted in landslide-hit Sikkim

At least 28 persons, stranded at Chaten in north Sikkim, and 20 Army personnel were airlifted on Sunday as the road connectivity in the region had been snapped due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain, officials said.

Advertisement

A chopper evacuated 28 civilians, comprising minors, tourist taxi drivers and government officials, from Chaten in the first sortie, while 20 Army personnel returned to Pakyong Greenfield Airport in another trip, they said.

The MI-17 helicopter also transported essential supplies for Army personnel stationed at Chaten, the officials said.

The Sikkim Government arranged the helicopter to provide immediate relief and safe evacuation of those affected by the landslides in the region after getting a distress call from them, they added.

This comes under the ongoing coordinated relief and evacuation efforts being undertaken in view of the recent adverse conditions that have disrupted road connectivity and access to the region, he said.

North Sikkim has been hit by multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain, disrupting road and telecommunication connectivity there.