Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
A sudden and massive landslide struck the mountainous Chatten region of North Sikkim on Sunday evening, leaving at least three people dead and six security personnel, including army jawans, missing under the debris. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the country, triggering an urgent and ongoing search and rescue operation.
The landslide occurred following heavy rainfall in the region, causing large portions of the hillside to collapse onto a military camp and nearby roads. Rescue teams from the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the site, battling harsh terrain, unstable ground, and weather challenges to retrieve the missing and assist survivors.
Army Camps Damaged, Roads Cut Off
Initial reports confirm that the landslide severely damaged a military base and nearby infrastructure. Communication lines have been disrupted, and the remote mountainous terrain is hampering rescue efforts. As of now, aerial surveillance and ground operations are being coordinated to speed up relief measures.
Eyewitnesses and local sources reported scenes of devastation, with tents, vehicles, and shelters buried under massive boulders and loose soil. The identity of the deceased is yet to be confirmed, and families of the missing personnel are being notified.
Recurring Himalayan Disasters Raise Alarms
This is not the first time North Sikkim has been rocked by a natural disaster. The region, known for its fragile ecology and seismic sensitivity, has faced multiple tragedies in recent years. Just months ago, an avalanche in Uttarakhand killed eight BRO workers, while the 2023 glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim claimed over 90 lives and devastated large swaths of the state.
Experts warn that such incidents are becoming more frequent due to climate change, unplanned construction, and melting glaciers. “The Himalayas are crying for attention. These landslides and floods are nature’s way of warning us,” said a senior geologist from IIT Roorkee.
Need for Stronger Disaster Preparedness
The disaster has renewed calls for robust early warning systems, improved infrastructure resilience, and greater investment in disaster mitigation in the Northeast and Himalayan regions. Locals are urging the government to take swift action to ensure safer living conditions and better preparedness for the future.
Nation Stands in Solidarity
As the search continues, tributes are pouring in for the deceased and missing. The Ministry of Defence and state disaster management officials have assured continued efforts until every missing person is accounted for.
This heartbreaking event highlights the ever-growing environmental risks in India’s Himalayan belt and the urgent need for sustainable development and preparedness
