GANGTOK: More or less 400 tourists, including women and children, were rescued by the Indian Army from Sikkim after landslides and blockages caused by torrential rains left them stranded, said the army authorities on Saturday, May 20.
Approximately 400 tourists who were travelling to Lachung and Lachen valley were left stranded at Chungthang due to landslides and roadblocks due to heavy torrential rains that were witnessed in Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang in Mangan district on Friday, according to defence spokesman Lt. Col. Mahendra Rawat.
The Trishakti Corps of the Army's troops sprang into action and evacuated the trapped tourists to safety at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chungthang's request, he said.
After being rescued, the stranded tourists—including 113 women and 54 children—were sent to three different Army barracks where they were given hot meals and warm clothing.
To make room for the visitors and provide for their comfort for the night, the soldiers left their quarters. Three medical teams were organised, according to Lt. Col. Rawat, and they all the tourists were inspected.
Initial medical check up by the Army medical team said all tourists to be stable. On the other hand, a woman who had visited Gurudongmar Lake during the day on Saturday reported experiencing a strong headache and lightheadedness. Rapid arrival of a medical team from a neighbouring field hospital led to the identification of AMS symptoms. She received prompt medical attention and was sent to the ICU of the hospital in Gangtok, where it is reported that her condition is stable.
The forces' swift intervention prevented any accidents and provided the stranded tourists with comfort. In the meantime, work is being done to open the road to vehicles as quickly as feasible.Till the route is open for their continued travel, all support would be given to the tourists.
The Indian Army continues to be proactive in helping tourists and the local community while defending the border in the high-altitude areas of the Himalayas, the spokesman said.