Siliguri, Sep 17 (UNI) Trishakti Corps of Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF), in coordination with civil administration of Sikkim, have airlifted some 101 stranded tourists from rain and landslides ravaged north Sikkim for past four days, a defence spokesman said on Monday.
The IAF and Indian Army deployed their helicopters and made several sorties to and fro from
landlocked Lachung, Chatten and Chungthang in north Sikkim, which remained cut off by roads at several places due to incessant rain resulting into multiple landslides. Many roads and bridges also washed away by heavy rain in north Sikkim.
"On requisition for aid by the civil administration, Army immediately pressed for helicopters of Army aviation and Air Force, for a swift evacuation of stranded tourists for last four days requiring urgent assistance. The helicopters have made several sorties to Gangtok and Sevok and evacuated approximately 101 tourists, which included elderly personnel, women and children," a defence release said.
"A pregnant lady and her husband were also evacuated from Mangan," it added.
In addition, medical aid was also provided to people having problems before air lifting. In anticipations of the situation, the Indian Army has also made necessary arrangements of tentages, blankets and food for the stranded tourists.
On arrival at Sevok and Gangtok, all requiring medical assistance were again rechecked and were facilitated for their onward move to their homes.
The evacuation operation will continue till all stranded personnel are moved out from the affected area, the defence personnel said.
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