3 killed as landslide hits army camp in North Sikkim; 9 missing

A devastating landslide struck the Chatten area of North Sikkim on June 1, 2025, claiming the lives of three Indian Army personnel and leaving at least nine others missing. Triggered by relentless rainfall, the landslide hit an army camp situated in a remote, mountainous region, severely hampering rescue operations.

Teams from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in a challenging search-and-rescue mission amid adverse weather and treacherous terrain. The disaster has also affected civilian life, with over 1,600 tourists stranded in the Lachung region since May 30.

While most have been successfully evacuated, around 150 tourists remain in Lachen, reportedly safe but awaiting rescue. The landslide has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, blocking roads and disrupting communication lines, further complicating relief efforts. Authorities are racing against time to locate the missing personnel and restore normalcy to the region.

Tragic Landslide in North Sikkim: Key Details

• Incident Overview: On the evening of June 1, 2025, a devastating landslide struck the Chatten area in North Sikkim, resulting in the deaths of three army personnel. Six others remain missing as rescue operations continue under challenging conditions.
• Rescue Efforts: The Indian Army, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has been actively engaged in search and rescue operations. Efforts are hampered by continuous rainfall and treacherous terrain.
• Tourist Evacuations: Simultaneously, approximately 1,600 tourists stranded in Lachung since May 30 due to heavy rains and landslides have been successfully evacuated. Around 150 tourists remain stranded in Lachen but are reported to be safe.
• Infrastructure Impact: The landslide has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, complicating relief efforts. Authorities are working diligently to restore connectivity and provide aid to affected areas.
• A devastating landslide struck the Chatten area of North Sikkim on June 1, 2025, claiming the lives of three Indian Army personnel and leaving at least nine others missing. Triggered by relentless rainfall, the landslide hit an army camp situated in a remote, mountainous region, severely hampering rescue operations.
• Teams from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in a challenging search-and-rescue mission amid adverse weather and treacherous terrain. The disaster has also affected civilian life, with over 1,600 tourists stranded in the Lachung region since May 30.
• While most have been successfully evacuated, around 150 tourists remain in Lachen, reportedly safe but awaiting rescue. The landslide has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, blocking roads and disrupting communication lines, further complicating relief efforts. Authorities are racing against time to locate the missing personnel and restore normalcy to the region.

A massive landslide struck the Chatten area in North Sikkim on June 1, 2025, resulting in the tragic deaths of three Indian Army personnel and leaving at least nine individuals missing. The incident occurred following days of incessant rainfall in the region, which triggered multiple landslides across the hilly terrain of the northeastern state. According to official reports, the landslide hit an army camp located in a remote and strategically sensitive area, catching many off guard during the early morning hours.

The sheer volume of debris and unstable terrain has made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Teams from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities are engaged in an intense search-and-rescue operation, braving adverse weather and dangerous working conditions to locate the missing personnel and provide aid to the affected region.

The landslide has not only affected military personnel but has also deeply impacted civilian life in the surrounding areas. The heavy rains since late May caused significant disruption to road infrastructure, isolating many villages and towns.

More than 1,600 tourists, including women and children, were stranded in the popular hill station of Lachung. State and central agencies launched a coordinated evacuation effort using helicopters and ground transport, successfully rescuing the majority of those trapped. However, around 150 tourists remain in Lachen, another high-altitude location, though officials have confirmed that they are safe and being provided with food, shelter, and medical assistance until weather conditions improve enough for further evacuations.

The state government, in collaboration with the Indian Army and disaster management authorities, has also been working to restore connectivity to the affected regions. Roads connecting North Sikkim to the capital city Gangtok and other districts have been rendered impassable due to multiple landslides and flooding.

Communication networks in some areas have been disrupted, making it difficult for people to contact loved ones or receive timely updates. Engineers and personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Public Works Department (PWD) are actively involved in clearing debris and reconstructing damaged infrastructure.

In the wake of the tragedy, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured the public that every effort is being made to find the missing and support the affected families.

He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of rescue workers who are putting their lives at risk to carry out relief operations in one of the most challenging terrains in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have been briefed on the situation, and the central government has extended its full support to Sikkim during this crisis.

This latest disaster underscores the increasing vulnerability of mountainous regions like Sikkim to climate-induced weather events such as heavy rainfall and landslides. Experts have repeatedly warned about the impact of unchecked development, deforestation, and unstable construction in eco-sensitive zones. As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus will likely also shift toward long-term mitigation strategies to better prepare for such natural calamities in the future.

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