Bad weather halts rescue & evacuation operations –

In Sikkim, the government is putting relentless efforts to ensure full evacuation of stranded tourists in North Sikkim. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang today chaired a high-level emergency meeting to assess the critical situation unfolding in Mangan district. However, constant bad weather in the region has halted helicopter sorties from Pakyong Greenfield Airport for the day, delaying further evacuations. Two MI-17 V5 helicopters remain stationed at Pakyong, on standby for immediate deployment once flying conditions improve. Meanwhile, over 100 stranded tourists have successfully reached Chaten from Lachen through coordinated efforts of the State Government, Indian Army, and local support teams. All tourists have been safely accommodated in nearby hotels and at the Army camp in Chaten, and are prepared for air evacuation as and when weather permits. The Chief Minister has issued directives to immediately intensify rescue and relief operations in close coordination with the NDRF, SDRF, BRO, and other relevant agencies. The road from Chungthang to Lachen remains blocked after two bridges at Tarachu were washed away due to continuous heavy rainfall.