Indian Army Leading Rescue Operations in Flood-Hit North Sikkim, Restores Connectivity
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and locals, is spearheading the rescue and restoration operations in flood-hit North Sikkim. Their primary focus is on reconnecting the affected areas and restoring connectivity. Following devastating floods triggered by landslides, the worst-hit region of Chungthang is now the main area of concern.
To overcome the challenges posed by the difficult terrain, the Indian Army has launched an operation to reach the remote village of Rabom, northwest of Chungthang. Approximately 150-200 civilians are currently being rescued in this area. Over the past five days, a multifaceted approach has been implemented to address the situation comprehensively.
The efforts include sustaining isolated locations where troops are stationed, extending assistance to areas devoid of a troop presence, restoring communication and connectivity to disconnected regions for immediate relief, assessing the extent of damage, and formulating strategies for long-term reconstruction work.
In a proactive measure, the authorities have accounted for all tourists and local residents in regions like Chaten, Lachen, Lachung, and Thangu in North Sikkim. A comprehensive list of 2000 tourists, including 63 foreigners, has been compiled to provide necessary support such as food, medical care, lodging, and telephone access. Moreover, a dedicated helpline has been set up to ensure effective communication with the relatives of the tourists, providing regular updates on their well-being and safety.
The evacuation efforts will continue until all the tourists are safely transported. Taking advantage of the improved weather conditions, air evacuations have begun on October 9. Simultaneously, the Indian Army is also prioritizing the reconnection of villages that have been cut off from the outside world.
To achieve this objective, Indian Army troops, along with assistance from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local residents, have successfully constructed a log bridge over the Lachen Chu river, connecting Chungthang to Pegong. Additionally, a footbridge is being constructed from the Chungthang side with the support of the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and ITBP troops.
On October 7, specialized teams were deployed with the aim of reopening the route to Chaten via Rabom. Despite adverse weather conditions, these teams embarked on a challenging journey across rugged terrain and reached Rabom village on the night of October 8. Consequently, a foot connection has been established, facilitating aid provision to the stranded civilians in the region.
Furthermore, the Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and senior engineer officials from the Indian Army have completed a comprehensive assessment of the damage incurred. Plans for the restoration of road connectivity across the entire state have also been devised, ensuring a systematic approach to long-term reconstruction.
As the rescue and restoration operations continue, the Indian Army, BRO, ITBP, and local communities are working tirelessly to provide relief and reconnect the affected regions in North Sikkim. With their concerted efforts, connectivity will be restored, and the affected areas will gradually regain normalcy.
