Army Races Against Weather to Rescue Tourists Trapped by Landslides in North Sikkim

The Indian Army has rescued 135 tourists stranded in North Sikkim after multiple landslides severed road connectivity in the high-altitude region, triggering a large-scale evacuation effort amid severe weather conditions.

The rescue mission, being conducted under Operation Himsetu, is led by the Trishakti Corps under the Army’s Eastern Command, with support from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Officials said the operation was launched after landslides disrupted the crucial road link between Lachen and Chungthang, leaving a large number of tourists cut off in the Himalayan town.

Authorities estimate that more than a thousand tourists remain stranded in Lachen, one of Sikkim’s most popular mountain destinations, as teams work to evacuate them in phases.

Landslides and snowfall cut off key mountain routes

The crisis began on April 5 when a landslide struck the road connecting Lachen to the district headquarters at Mangan, severely damaging the route and halting vehicle movement. The situation worsened when snowfall began on April 7 and continued through April 8, making already fragile mountain roads even more difficult to navigate.

As weather conditions deteriorated, rescue teams faced delays while attempting to reach the stranded tourists and reopen blocked stretches of road.

Despite these challenges, the Army moved swiftly to restore access and begin evacuations. Officials said troops managed to reopen critical passes and activate alternate routes through the mountainous terrain to enable the movement of vehicles.

Operation Himsetu drives the evacuation effort

Army personnel have been assisting stranded travellers by towing civilian vehicles across steep, snow-covered sections of road. So far, rescue teams have transported at least 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles out of the affected area.

Officials said medical emergencies and travellers requiring urgent assistance are being prioritised as evacuations continue.

The Border Roads Organisation is working closely with the Army to clear debris, remove snow, and restore connectivity along the damaged routes. Road restoration efforts are ongoing despite difficult terrain and unpredictable weather.

“Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground,” an Army official said.

Tourist rush after reopening adds pressure

The situation has been compounded by a recent surge in tourist arrivals. Lachen had only reopened to visitors on March 1 after remaining inaccessible for more than two years following the devastating October 2023 floods triggered by a glacial lake outburst.

With road connectivity restored earlier this year, tourists had begun returning to the region in large numbers, increasing the number of people affected when landslides struck.

Residents say there is an alternate route through the Dongkha La pass, located nearly 17,998 feet above sea level. However, the route is significantly longer and far more difficult to traverse, making it a last-resort option during emergencies.

As rescue operations continue under harsh weather conditions, authorities are working to ensure that every stranded tourist is safely evacuated from the remote Himalayan region.