In a swift and coordinated humanitarian operation in Gangtok, the Indian Army successfully rescued more than 900 stranded tourists and local residents after sudden heavy snowfall and extreme sub-zero weather conditions paralyzed movement across higher-altitude stretches of East Sikkim. Spearheaded by the troops of the Trishakti Corps, the challenging rescue mission focused primarily on critical tourist corridors and high-altitude landmarks, including Nathula Pass, Baba Dham at Sherethang, and Changu (Tsomgo) Lake, where treacherous snow accumulation and plummeting temperatures left hundreds of travelers trapped without safe passage. Responding promptly to the weather emergency, Army personnel braved harsh winds, poor visibility, and freezing terrain to locate and evacuate the stranded civilians, swiftly moving them to nearby military camps and transit facilities. Once brought to safety, the rescued tourists and locals were provided with warm shelters, hot meals, winter clothing, and immediate medical assistance to prevent hypothermia and altitude-related complications, ensuring that everyone remained stable and accounted for during the inclement weather spell. The high-altitude rescue operation came just a day after the broader Himalayan region experienced heightened natural vigilance following a moderate 4.9-magnitude earthquake that struck along the Sikkim-Nepal border early Thursday morning. While that seismic event triggered mild tremors across several parts of West Sikkim as well as the state capital of Gangtok, prompting brief moments of concern among residents, state authorities confirmed that no structural damage, injuries, or casualties were reported from the tremors. However, the subsequent onset of severe winter weather in East Sikkim tested emergency response readiness in the mountainous state, once again highlighting the vital role played by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps as the first line of defense and humanitarian relief in remote border areas. Through disciplined execution, rapid deployment, and dedicated medical support, the military personnel ensured the safe evacuation of all 900 individuals, preventing a major weather-induced tragedy and underscoring their unwavering commitment to civilian safety in the challenging terrain of Sikkim.
Indian Army Provides Shelter and Medical Aid After Rescuing 900 People in Snow-Hit East Sikkim
