What Happened in Sikkim? 3 Lives Lost as Landslide Hits Indian Army Camp!
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Sikkim, a landslide caused by persistent rain has claimed three lives and injured several others at an Indian Army camp. As rescue operations continue amidst challenging conditions, the broader flood situation in the region remains critical, with over 1,200 tourists stranded.
Key Takeaways
- Three confirmed dead in the Sikkim landslide.
- Four injured personnel were rescued.
- Rescue operations continue for six missing individuals.
- Over 1,200 tourists stranded in affected areas.
- Hazardous weather challenges ongoing rescue efforts.
Gangtok, June 2 (NationPress) A devastating landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall, has claimed the lives of three individuals, injured four others, and left several missing after it struck an Indian Army camp in Chaten, located in Sikkim's Lachen district. The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening when continuous downpours loosened the mountainside's soil, resulting in debris cascading onto the camp, as reported by the Trishakti Corps division of the Indian Army on Monday.
Identified among the deceased are Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and Porter Abhishek Lakhada, whose bodies have been retrieved by emergency response teams.
Four personnel with minor injuries were successfully rescued from the location. Rescue operations continue for six missing individuals, with teams working tirelessly despite perilous weather conditions and difficult terrain.
Lieutenant General Zubin Minwalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Trishakti Corps, visited the site to oversee rescue efforts closely.
The Indian Army has initiated an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing personnel, operating around the clock under very challenging conditions.
Simultaneously, the broader flood situation across northeastern states remains dire.
On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions via telephone with the chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, alongside the Governor of Manipur.
Home Minister Shah reached out to Assam's CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Sikkim's Prem Singh Tamang, and Manipur's Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to inquire about the evolving flood situation and state preparedness.
The landslide disaster, resulting from several days of heavy rain, has not only caused significant damage to local infrastructure but has also stranded over 1,200 tourists in the Lachen and Lachung areas.
Emergency evacuation efforts are underway, supported by government officials and local communities, to ensure the safety of those affected.
On Sunday, the River Teesta reached alarming levels in Chungthang, Mangan District, near the site of the previously destroyed Teesta Stage 3 dam due to a glacial lake outburst flood in 2023.
These rising water levels have raised fresh concerns regarding the safety of low-lying areas.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the region through early June, which poses additional challenges to the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Point of View
This tragic event underscores the severe impact of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, as communities navigate the challenges posed by relentless rainfall and landslides. The commitment of the Indian Army and local officials in rescue operations reflects the urgency and dedication required in times of crisis.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the landslide in Sikkim?
The landslide was triggered by relentless rainfall that loosened the mud on the mountainside.
How many people were affected?
Three individuals lost their lives, four sustained injuries, and several are still unaccounted for.
What rescue efforts are underway?
The Indian Army has launched a large-scale search and rescue mission to find the missing personnel, working around the clock.
Are tourists stranded due to the landslide?
Yes, over 1,200 tourists are stranded in the Lachen and Lachung regions due to the disaster.
What is the current flood situation in the region?
The flood situation remains grim, with rising water levels causing concerns for low-lying areas.
