Key Takeaways
- The Sikkim evacuation was prompted by inclement weather conditions, including rainstorms and landslides, which stranded 1,447 tourists in Lachung.
- The local administration, led by District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri, coordinated the rescue efforts, involving officials from various departments and local panchayats.
- A total of 158 tourists were safely evacuated on the third and final day of the rescue operation, bringing the total number of rescued tourists to 1,447.
Gangtok: With the successful evacuation of the last batch of tourists stranded in Sikkim’s Lachung since June 12 following inclement weather conditions, has been completed, official confirmed on Thursday.
“In a span of three days, altogether 1,447 tourists have been evacuated after they were stuck on the higher reaches from June 12 following rainstorms and landslides,” one of the official confirmed.
“A total 158 tourists including three critically ill patients, were safely evacuated by roads from Chungthang via Tung- Mangan before sundown,” implying the last batch of travellers were taken to safety.
“On the third and final day of evacuation of stranded tourists from Chungthang and the northern regions of Mangan, 158 tourists were rescued safely on Wednesday.’
“The local administration, led by District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri, played a crucial role in coordinating the rescue efforts. Officials from various departments, including BRO and NDRF, worked together to ensure the safe passage of tourists.” a media release said.
“The Tourism Department, Motor Vehicle Division, Police Department, GREF, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim (TAAS), local panchayats and volunteers,” took part in the final evacuation.
The rescued tourists expressed their gratitude to the state government, the administration, BRO, NDRF, SDRF and the locals for taking care of them and bringing them to safety.
