Darjeeling: The Indian Army has played a major role in relief and rescue work in the massive disaster that struck Sikkim with flash floods in Teesta on October 4. From rescue, evacuation to restoring of communication, the Army played a pivotal role. Recently, they rescued 97 workers of the Kundan Hydro Project in North Sikkim along with around 100 locals.
Troops of Trishakti Corps undertook this daring rescue mission in North Sikkim from October 7-13.
Moving through the mountainous terrain with thick jungles and undergrowth in challenging weather, the troops reached the village of Rabom in North Sikkim where 245 persons were stranded.
The troops shared food and medical supplies with the stranded people.
Working on a war footing round-the-clock, under inclement weather conditions, the soldiers of Indian Army created a 14.8 km route and rescued 97 workers of Kundan Hydro Power Project along with around 100 locals.
The troops have created a helipad in the village, a safe foot track and continue to assist the stranded people of Rabom, Menshithang and Chubinbin. These areas were totally cut off since October 4.
The troops had reached the Rabom village on October 9 providing aid to 245 stranded civilians, including 129 from the Kundan Hydel Project.
‘We have been stuck here since October 4. Owing to the Army and their determined efforts to open up a path, we can now return home,’ stated an employee of the Kundan Hydro Project from Himachal Pradesh.
According to Sikkim government reports, the number of people evacuated from all four affected districts till October 15 is 4357 by air and land, including locals and tourists.
The highest number is from Mangan district at 2644; 1025 from Gangtok district; 58 from Pakyong and 630 from Namchi.
The number of casualties in Sikkim is 38. Nearly 76 people are missing. There are 2321 persons housed in 20 relief camps in Sikkim.