A severe landslide struck an Indian Army camp in Chatten, North Sikkim, late Sunday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of three soldiers and leaving nine others unaccounted for. The incident was triggered by the swelling of the Lachen River, which was exacerbated by continuous rainfall in the area, ultimately leading to the catastrophic landslide that engulfed the military facility.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with personnel navigating the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Four individuals with minor injuries have been successfully rescued, while the bodies of Havildar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and porter Abhishek Lakhada have been recovered. Arun Thatal, the sub-divisional police officer of Chungthang in Mangan district, reported, “Three bodies of army personnel have been recovered and nine army personnel are missing. Search operations by the army are ongoing.”
The Army has released a statement confirming these casualties and has begun efforts to identify the deceased while simultaneously working to locate the missing soldiers. The landslide has also caused significant damage to surrounding infrastructure, compounding the already dire circumstances in the region.
This disaster unfolds against a backdrop of widespread disruption in North Sikkim due to incessant rains and subsequent landslides. On Monday morning, over 1,600 tourists stranded in Lachung since May 30 were evacuated after debris was cleared. Mangan district collector Anant Jain reported, “The tourists, including around 380 children, were safely evacuated. About 150 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, but they are safe and staying in hotels. NDRF teams are present in the area.”
Just a week prior, another tragic incident occurred when nine individuals, including eight tourists, disappeared after their vehicle plunged into the swollen Teesta River. All are presumed dead as search efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
Lachen and Lachung, situated at altitudes exceeding 2,700 meters, serve as crucial transit points for tourists heading to Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley. Unfortunately, these areas have been among the worst affected, with blocked roads, disrupted communication, and rescue efforts severely hampered by continuing adverse weather conditions.
The local administration remains on high alert as the relentless rains continue, raising the risk of additional landslides. Rescue teams, comprising the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force, and local authorities, are actively working in the region to mitigate further loss of life and provide assistance to those affected or stranded by the ongoing crisis.
