Sikkim Landslide: 3 Dead, 6 Security Personnel Missing After Landslide Hits Military Camp in Chhaten

At least three people were killed and six security personnel are missing after a devastating landslide struck a military camp in Chhaten, North Sikkim, on Sunday evening, a defence official confirmed on Monday. The disaster, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall lashing the region, occurred around 7 pm.

“Three bodies have been recovered so far, and four individuals were rescued with minor injuries,” the defence official stated. “Rescue operations have been ongoing under difficult weather and terrain conditions. Rescue teams are working round the clock under challenging conditions to locate the six missing personnel.”

Sikkim has been battered by incessant heavy rainfall over the past few days, leading to multiple landslides and widespread disruptions across several areas. The treacherous weather and terrain are posing significant challenges to the ongoing search and rescue efforts at the Chhaten military camp.

While emergency services focus on the Chhaten incident, the broader impact of the severe weather is also evident in other parts of North Sikkim. Authorities have been working relentlessly to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists stranded in various rain-affected regions.

In a significant relief operation, the first batch of stranded tourists from Lachung in North Sikkim has been safely evacuated. A convoy of 284 tourist vehicles and 16 bikes, carrying a total of 1,678 tourists – comprising 737 men, 561 women, and 380 children – successfully crossed Theng Check Post en route to Phidang in Lower Dzongu by Sunday.

The evacuation from Lachung, which commenced Sunday morning, was a meticulously coordinated effort involving the local administration, police, Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Forest Department, Lachung Dzumsa, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Sikkim Hotel & Restaurant Association (SHRA), local drivers’ associations, other tourism stakeholders, and residents.

Mangan District Collector Anant Jain personally oversaw the complex evacuation operation, ensuring the safe passage of the tourists through challenging routes affected by the inclement weather. Efforts are continuing to evacuate all remaining stranded individuals.

The state authorities remain on high alert, monitoring the weather situation and undertaking measures to mitigate further risks from potential landslides and flooding.