1,700+ tourists evacuated from North Sikkim; airlift planned for stranded in Lachen

In the wake of heavy rains affecting parts of North Sikkim, authorities have successfully evacuated over 1,700 stranded tourists, according to CS Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

“Till now, 1,670 tourists have been evacuated from Lachung and 30 from Chaten today. Around 130 tourists are still stranded in Lachen, and efforts are underway to evacuate them by air,” Rao informed.

He clarified that the situation remains challenging only in high-altitude areas, while areas up to Chungthang remain unaffected. “The number of tourists has not decreased. The problem is localised,” he added.

The first batch of stranded individuals was successfully airlifted from Sikkim's Chaten today, June 3, as part of the ongoing rescue operations in flood-affected Sikkim.

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Two MI-17 V5 helicopters carried out the evacuation and landed safely at Pakyong Greenfield Airport with 34 evacuees on board.

Among those rescued were injured army personnel - now receiving medical treatment, their family members, and several tourists who had been stranded due to landslides and severe weather conditions in the region.

Authorities confirmed that evacuation efforts will continue as weather permits, with priority being given to the injured, elderly, and families with young children.

Rescue and relief operations continue as weather conditions are closely monitored.