Mangan, Sikkim | June 9, 2025 — The body of Sainudheen P.K., an Indian Army personnel who went missing after a massive landslide hit a military camp in Chaten, North Sikkim on June 1, was recovered on Monday, police confirmed. Search efforts remain underway for five other soldiers still unaccounted for.
According to Mangan Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia, rescue operations are being conducted under challenging conditions due to ongoing landslides and heavy rainfall, which have severely disrupted roads and telecommunication lines across the region.
Multiple Casualties and Evacuations Amid Natural Disaster
The June 1 landslide at the Army post in Chaten claimed three lives, left four personnel injured, and caused six soldiers to go missing. With Sainudheen’s body now recovered, the fate of the remaining five soldiers is still unknown.
Rescue and relief operations are being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, disaster response teams, and local police.
Mass Evacuations of Stranded Tourists in Lachen, Lachung
Amid the ongoing crisis, Army teams have created makeshift walkways to reach isolated regions, including Lachen village, to help evacuate around 113 stranded tourists.
Earlier this week, more than 2,000 tourists were rescued from Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang — three heavily affected towns in North Sikkim — via airlifts and road convoys, following days of being stranded due to landslide-induced blockages.
Rescue Teams Face Harsh Terrain and Weather
Officials have reported that heavy rains continue to trigger landslides across vulnerable zones in Sikkim, slowing down ongoing rescue efforts. The Army and local authorities are working around the clock to restore access, evacuate civilians, and locate missing personnel.
Appeal for National Support and Aid
The incident highlights the growing impact of extreme weather in Himalayan regions. With infrastructure damaged and communication lines down, authorities are urging central assistance and additional resources to manage the crisis.