Torrential rain, landslide in North Sikkim; army rescues 500 tourists

The tourists were travelling to Lachung and Lachen Valleys in North Sikkim when they were stranded at Chungthang due to a landslide, a Defence Spokesperson said. The troops of the Indian Army rescued the stranded tourists and moved them to three different Army Camps and provided them with hot meals and warm clothing.

Tezpur (Assam) : Heavy torrential rains were witnessed in several areas including A Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang in North Sikkim on 19 May. Following this, over 500 tourists who were travelling to Lachung and Lachen Valleys were stranded at Chungthang, due to landslides and roadblocks en route, said Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat.

On a request from SDM Chungthang, the troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army, swung into action and rescued the stranded tourists and shifted them to safety. The stranded tourists who included 216 males, 113 ladies and 54 children, were moved to three different Army Camps and were provided with hot meals and warm clothing.

The troops vacated their barracks to accommodate the tourists and make them comfortable for the night. Three medical teams were formed and they checked all the tourists. An initial medical check by Army medical team found all tourists to be stable. However, early hours today on 20 May, one lady who had visited Gurudogmar Lake during the day complained of severe headache and dizziness.

A medical team including Lady Medical Officer from a nearby Field Hospital rushed to the location and detected signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). She was provided immediate medical care and was shifted to the ICU in the hospital. By morning, she was stable. The quick reaction by the troops avoided any mishap and ensured comfort for the stranded tourists.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to clear the road for vehicular movement as soon as possible. The tourists will be provided with all assistance until the route is cleared for their further journey. Indian Army, while guarding the border in Super High-Altitude areas of the Himalayas, remains proactive in providing assistance to tourists and the local population.