| 18 June 2023
In a recent natural disaster in North Sikkim, heavy rainfall led to landslides and flash floods, resulting in the stranding of thousands of tourists in the region. However, swift action by the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has ensured the rescue of over 3,500 stranded individuals.
The Indian Army's Striking Lion Division, Trishakti Corps, and the BRO worked tirelessly under adverse weather conditions to create a temporary crossing over the flash flood area. Thanks to their efforts, more than 2,000 tourists were safely rescued. These individuals were not only helped to cross the treacherous river but were also provided with essential supplies such as hot meals, tents, and medical support.
Lachen and Lachung, known for their scenic beauty, were the locations where 36 foreign tourists found themselves stranded at hotels. These picturesque areas serve as gateways to several scenic destinations. The rescue operation conducted by the Indian Army and the BRO has brought relief to the stranded tourists and restored their faith in the authorities.
However, the situation remains challenging as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim for the next five days. This prediction poses additional challenges for the ongoing rescue operations and reinforces the need for swift action to ensure the safety of the stranded individuals.
The focus now lies on restoring road connectivity in the affected areas while the evacuation of tourists continues. Tents and medical aid posts have been set up to cater to the needs of the stranded individuals. The Indian Army remains committed to providing necessary assistance until the route is cleared for their onward journey.
This proactive assistance by the Indian Army reflects their dedication to safeguarding the border and the well-being of both tourists and the local population. In this critical situation, they swiftly mobilized resources and personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of the stranded tourists.
The flash floods were triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in North Sikkim, leading to the closure of highways and leaving numerous tourists stranded. The Pegong area, in particular, has been heavily affected, resulting in the complete shutdown of National Highway 10. To address queries and provide assistance to the stranded tourists, the North Sikkim district administration has established helpline numbers: 8509822997 and 116464265.
The Indian Army and the BRO are actively engaged in rescue operations and working towards restoring normalcy in the affected region. Their collective effort aims to ensure the safety and welfare of the stranded tourists until the routes are cleared, allowing them to continue their journey.
As the rescue operations continue and restoration efforts are underway, it is crucial for authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for any further challenges posed by the predicted heavy rainfall. The safety and well-being of the stranded tourists should remain the top priority, and every possible effort must be made to ensure their timely and safe evacuation from the affected areas.
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