**Landslide at Military Camp in Sikkim Claims Lives of Security Personnel**
Three security personnel tragically lost their lives, and six others remain unaccounted for following a landslide that struck a military camp in Chhaten, North Sikkim, on Sunday evening. The incident, which occurred around 7 PM, was triggered by heavy rainfall in the region. The bodies of Havaldar Lakhbindar Singh, Lance Naik Mnish Thakur, and Porter Abhishek Lakhada were recovered on Monday afternoon.
Rescue operations have been challenging due to adverse weather and difficult terrain, as stated by a defense official. “Three bodies have been recovered so far, and four individuals were rescued with minor injuries,” the official reported. Rescue teams are tirelessly working to locate the six missing personnel.
Sikkim has experienced continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days, resulting in multiple landslides and disruptions across various areas. Authorities are actively engaged in ensuring the safety of both residents and tourists. Efforts are also underway to evacuate tourists stranded in rain-affected regions. Notably, the first group of stranded tourists from Lachung in North Sikkim has been safely evacuated, with 18 vehicles successfully reaching Phidang in Lower Dzongu on Sunday.
The evacuation operation was led by Mangan District Collector Anant Jain, who personally supervised the process to guarantee the safe return of the tourists. The coordinated effort involved local administration, police, Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Forest Department, Lachung Dzumsa, tourism associations, drivers’ groups, and local residents.
As of the latest update, a convoy consisting of 284 tourist vehicles and 16 bikes, carrying a total of 1,678 tourists—737 men, 561 women, and 380 children—has successfully crossed Theng Check Post en route to Phidang.
In conclusion, the situation in Sikkim remains critical as rescue operations continue, and authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals affected by the severe weather conditions.
**FAQ**
*What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of tourists in Sikkim?*
Authorities are conducting coordinated evacuation efforts involving local administration, police, and military personnel to ensure the safe return of stranded tourists in rain-affected areas.