28 civilians and 20 Army men airlifted from landslide-hit areas of Sikkim –

At least 28 persons, stranded at Chaten in north Sikkim, and 20 Army personnel were airlifted yesterday as the road connectivity in the region had been snapped due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain. A chopper evacuated 28 civilians, comprising minors, tourist taxi drivers and government officials, from Chaten in the first sortie, while 20 Army personnel returned to Pakyong Greenfield Airport in another trip. The MI-17 helicopter also transported essential supplies for Army personnel stationed at Chaten. The Sikkim Government arranged a helicopter to provide immediate relief and safe evacuation of those affected by the landslides in the region after receiving a distress call from them. This comes under the ongoing coordinated relief and evacuation efforts being undertaken because of the recent adverse conditions that have disrupted road connectivity and access to the region. North Sikkim has been hit by multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain, disrupting road and telecommunication connectivity there.