June 2, 2025 | Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
Massive Evacuation in North Sikkim After Catastrophic Landslides
Over 1,600 tourists have been successfully evacuated from North Sikkim following a series of devastating landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall since May 29. Key tourist destinations such as Lachung, Chungthang, and Lachen were completely cut off after multiple roads and bridges collapsed under the impact of heavy rain and rising river levels.
While the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and district authorities managed to open one-way connectivity via the Phidang bridge, more than 100 tourists remain stranded in Lachen due to continued disruptions and fresh landslides in the region, particularly near Chhaten.
Tragedy Strikes: Army Camp Hit, Soldiers Dead and Missing
Adding to the disaster, a massive landslide struck an Indian Army camp in Chhaten, Lachen on the evening of June 1, killing three personnel — Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and porter Abhishek Lakhada. Six others remain missing despite ongoing search and rescue efforts by Army units working around the clock in extremely challenging conditions.
Tourist Vehicle Falls into Teesta River: Nine Still Missing
A separate tragic incident occurred on the night of May 29 when a vehicle carrying ten tourists fell nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta River near Munshithang. Among the missing are newlywed couple Ankita Singh (26) and Kaushalendra Pratap Singh (32) from Uttar Pradesh and Odisha BJP leader Itishree Jena along with her family members. While two tourists were rescued in critical condition, eight people, including the driver, remain unaccounted for.
Rainfall Causes Widespread Destruction
North Sikkim has recorded rainfall exceeding 130 mm, causing damage to critical infrastructure such as:
- Dikchu-Sanklang-Shipgyere road
- Chungthang-Lachung and Chungthang-Lachen routes
- Phidang and Sangkalang bridges
- Two bailey bridges on the Lachen axis
Roads to major tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point, and the Valley of Flowers have been severely damaged or washed away, leaving several areas inaccessible even after days of rescue operations.
Evacuation Details and Ongoing Rescue Operations
District Magistrate Anant Jain confirmed that evacuation from Lachung and Chungthang began early Monday morning using over 300 vehicles, including 16 bikes. The operation involved transporting 750 men, 560 women, and 380 children to safer zones.
Despite these efforts, Lachen remains inaccessible from Zema and Rabang, with around 150 tourists still sheltering in hotels. Authorities have hinted at deploying helicopters for further evacuation, weather permitting.
Search Intensifies for Missing Tourists and Army Personnel
Police, ITBP, Army, and local administration continue intensive search and rescue missions in dangerous terrain. The families of the missing tourists — especially the newlyweds from Uttar Pradesh — have appealed to the government to expedite efforts. “My son got married on May 5. Now he and his wife are missing. My life has been shattered,” said Pratap Singh’s father, who arrived in Sikkim on May 30.
Casualties Across Northeast India
According to official data, at least 34 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides across the northeastern states including Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh in just three days.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Chief Ministers of the affected states and assured all possible assistance for relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased Army personnel and the missing tourists.
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