Army begins operations to reconnect villages in Sikkim

The Army has undertaken operations at a massive scale to reconnect villages cut off due to the Sikkim flash floods even as the death toll has gone up to 74. While Sikkim accounted for 32 deaths, 40 bodies were found on the Teesta riverbed in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. The army has also evacuated tourists and brought them to Pakyong Greenfield Airport from Lachung. Air evacuation of tourists started on Monday with the improvement in weather.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the Army is trying to restore connectivity to North Sikkim through Chungthang, which was the worst affected. Army troops have reached the isolated villages of Rabom, Northwest of Chungthang and the rescue of 150-200 civilians was underway. A list of 2,000 tourists, including 63 foreign nationals, has been compiled and assistance in the form of food, medical aid, accommodation, and telephone connectivity, is being provided.