XXXIII Corps GOC Zubin Minawalla (2R) at the landslide-hit site. (Photo: Defence PRO Guwahati)
Kalimpong/Siliguri: A devastating landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall, struck an Indian Army camp in Chhaten, near Lachen town in Sikkim’s Mangan district on Sunday evening, resulting in the deaths of three people, including two soldiers and leaving six others missing. The incident, which occurred around 7pm on Sunday, has prompted an intensive and ongoing rescue operation by the Indian Army, even as adverse weather and treacherous terrain hamper efforts.
The Lachen town is at 8,838 feet above sea level.
The landslide followed days of incessant rain, which loosened the mountainside and sent a torrent of debris crashing down on the Army camp. At the time, most personnel were indoors due to the heavy downpour. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden, thunderous noise as the ground shook, giving little warning before the camp was overwhelmed.
Army rescue teams, supported by local administration and disaster response agencies, launched immediate operations under extremely challenging conditions. Four individuals were pulled from the debris with minor injuries and are now in stable condition after receiving prompt medical attention.
The bodies of Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and porter Abhishek Lakhada have been recovered from the debris. The Army has conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assured all possible support in this hour of grief.
Six people remain unaccounted for, including Lieutenant Colonel Pritpal Sandhu, his wife Squadron Leader Arati B Sandhu (retired), their daughter Amaira Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Sepoy Sainudheen PK, and Sepoy Sunilal Muchahary. Rescue teams, working round the clock, continue to search for the missing despite hazardous weather and unstable ground.
Lieutenant General Zubin Minawalla, general officer commanding of Sukna-headquartered XXXIII Corps (Trishakti Corps), visited the site to oversee rescue efforts. The Army has reiterated its resolve to provide every possible assistance to affected families and to continue the search until all missing personnel are accounted for.
The landslide is part of a series of natural disasters that have battered northern Sikkim in recent days. Flash floods and landslides, fuelled by heavy rainfall since late May, left over 1,600 tourists stranded in Lachen and neighbouring areas.
In a major evacuation operation, the Border Roads Organization restored road access, enabling a convoy of 284 vehicles and 16 motorcycles to transport 1,678 tourists – comprising men, women, and children – to safety in the state capital, Gangtok. However, more than 100 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, which is 129 kilometres from Gangtok, with rescue efforts ongoing.
Senior officials, including Sikkim Police’s director general, Akshay Sachdeva, and the Mangan district collector, Anant Jain, have been actively involved in the evacuation and relief efforts. Tourists have expressed gratitude for the swift and coordinated response by authorities.
Rescue operations continue to be hampered by persistent rainfall, unstable terrain, and the risk of further landslides. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rain, raising concerns about additional disruptions and the safety of both rescue teams and those still stranded.
The Army and civilian authorities have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the ongoing ordeal faced by families of the missing. As search and rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating the missing personnel and ensuring the safety of those still stranded.
