Army rescues 500 tourists including 54 children stranded in North Sikkim due to landslides

The stranded tourists included 216 males, 113 ladies and 54 children. They were moved to 3 different Army Camps and were provided hot meals and warm clothing

By Prakash Adhikari

Indian Army personnel on Saturday morning rescued at least 500 tourists including 54 children who were stranded at Chungthang in North Sikkim due to rain-triggered massive landslides and road blocks.The tourists took shelter at a Gurudwara at Chungthang before being rescued by the Army.

“Following request from SDM Chungthang, troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army swung into action and rescued the stranded tourists to safety. The stranded tourists that included 216 males, 113 ladies and 54 children, were moved to three different Army Camps and were provided hot meals and warm clothing. The troops vacated their barracks to accommodate the tourists and make them comfortable for the night”, the Indian Army said in a statement.

Three medical teams of the Army checked all the tourists. Initial medical check by the Army medical team found all tourists to be stable. One lady who had visited Gurudogmar Lake during the day complained of severe headache and dizziness, the Army said. Medical team including Lady Medical Officer from nearby Field Hospital rushed to the location and detected signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). She was provided immediate medical care and was shifted to the ICU in the medical hospital. She is said to be stable now.

Heavy torrential rains lashed A Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang yesterday trigeering landslides and road blacks. As a result of this, around 500 tourists who were traveling to Lachung and Lachen valley were stranded at Chungthang.

The quick reaction by the troops avoided any mishap and ensured comfort for the stranded tourists. Meanwhile, efforts are on, to clear the road for vehicular movement. The tourists are being provided all assistance until the route is cleared for their further journey.

Indian Army, while guarding the border in Super High-Altitude areas of the Himalayas, remains proactive in providing assistance to tourists and local population, the Army said in the statement.

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