Mangan (Sikkim) [India], June 2: At least three bodies, including those of combatants, were recovered after a massive landslide struck the Chatten area of North Sikkim on Sunday evening, the Indian Army confirmed in an official release. Authorities fear more people may be missing, and identification of the deceased is currently underway as search and rescue operations continue.
The landslide caused significant damage to local habitats, worsening the crisis caused by persistent heavy rains across the region.
Evacuation of Stranded Tourists Underway
Evacuation efforts have intensified in Lachung, where over a thousand tourists remain stranded due to landslides, damaged bridges, and rising water levels in the River Teesta. The coordinated rescue mission involves police forces, forest officials, local residents, and the Lachung Hotel Association, with Gyatso Lachungpa, the association’s president, actively leading ground efforts.
Local volunteers, particularly hotel owners, are assisting stranded visitors by carrying luggage, guiding children, and ensuring no one is left behind.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming. Everyone is helping—carrying supplies, guiding tourists, and ensuring their safety,” said a local official involved in the rescue.
Infrastructure Damage Slows Relief Operations
Mangan SP Dechu Bhutia reported that landslides, especially the one in Shipgyer in Upper Dzongu, delayed evacuation operations. The Phidang bridge, a vital connection to Dzongu constituency, suffered base damage, restricting vehicular movement. Restoration by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) on Sunday has allowed limited foot traffic for emergency services and residents.
Search teams are also working to locate multiple missing tourists, including those involved in a vehicle accident. Rising river levels have hampered visibility, making recovery efforts difficult.
“We saw the vehicle earlier, but it’s no longer visible. Only personal items like mobile phones and ID cards have been recovered. A potential body was seen on a cliff, but it’s inaccessible due to the terrain and river currents,” said SP Bhutia.
IMD Issues Continued Rainfall Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned on May 30 that a depression over Bangladesh is expected to weaken but will still result in very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several northeastern regions, including Sikkim. Rainfall is forecasted through June 5, with no major temperature changes expected.