Army, IAF evacuate stranded tourists in Sikkim

Gangtok (Assam), September 16, 2018:

The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, in coordination with civil administration, evacuated a large number of tourists stranded in rain-hit and far-flung areas of north Sikkim.

Due to incessant rains, areas of north Sikkim had got cut off at several places resulting into multiple landslides and road and bridges getting washed away. A number of tourists were stuck in north Sikkim.

On requisition for aid by the civil administration, the Army immediately pressed for helicopters of Army aviation and Air Force for a swift evacuation of the tourists.

According to defence sources, the helicopters made several sorties from Gangtok and Sevok and evacuated around 100 people. Medical aid was provided to people having medical problems before they were airlifted.

The Army also made arrangements of tents, blankets and food for the stranded tourists. On arrival at Sevok and Gangtok, all requiring medical assistance were again rechecked and facilitated for their onward move to their homes. The evacuation operation will continue till all stranded people are moved out from the affected area.