Tragedy struck an Indian Army camp in north Sikkim when a sudden landslide claimed the lives of three soldiers and left six others missing. The incident occurred on the morning of June 2 near the India-China border region, in an area that had witnessed continuous rainfall over the past few days.
The massive landslide, triggered by torrential rain, struck the Army’s forward post near the Indo-Tibet border. Rescue operations began immediately, but the difficult terrain and weather hampered efforts.
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Search Operations Continue After Sikkim Landslide Army Camp Tragedy
According to defence sources, the Army has deployed special rescue teams with support from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local authorities. They are using sniffer dogs, ground-penetrating radar, and thermal drones to locate the missing soldiers.
An official stated, “Three soldiers were found dead under debris. Search continues for the rest.” Given the rugged terrain, teams are moving cautiously to avoid further risks.
The landslide buried a section of the barracks and adjoining supply depot, which housed at least 15 personnel. Six soldiers were pulled out safely within the first few hours, but chances of survival for those still missing are slim.
Weather in Sikkim Continues to Complicate Rescue
Heavy rains have battered the region for over a week, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall in Sikkim’s upper districts. With the area prone to cloudbursts and landslides, Army camps near the border are constantly on alert.
Senior officers confirmed that Sikkim landslide army camp sites in high-altitude zones are now being reviewed for safety. Additional precautions are being taken at vulnerable forward posts.
The challenging weather conditions have forced temporary relocation of some personnel to safer ground. Helicopter support remains on standby, although poor visibility continues to delay aerial reconnaissance.
Condolences Pour In From Across the Nation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. In a tweet, he said, “Deeply pained by the loss of brave soldiers in the Sikkim landslide. Prayers for those still missing. Nation stands with the Army.”
The Indian Army released an official statement offering condolences to the families and assuring them of continued search efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reviewed the situation through the Ministry of Defence.
State officials, including Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang, visited Army officials in Gangtok to express solidarity. He assured that the state government will assist rescue operations in every possible way.
Past Incidents and Rising Risks
This is not the first time that the Sikkim landslide army camp areas have faced such disasters. In 2021, a similar landslide killed two jawans in Lachung. The increasing frequency of such events has raised concerns about infrastructure stability in these ecologically fragile zones.
Environmental experts point out that intense rainfall due to climate change and ongoing construction in hilly terrain contribute to landslide risks. “Sikkim is geologically young. Constant deforestation and road widening have made it more vulnerable,” said geologist Dr. Karma Bhutia.
Army to Review Safety Protocols in High-Risk Zones
Following this tragedy, the Army is expected to revise its deployment strategy in the landslide-prone regions of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. A board of inquiry has been set up to study the causes and recommend safety upgrades for forward posts.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence will likely issue guidelines on how to strengthen infrastructure in these areas. Protective barriers, improved drainage, and relocation of some facilities are among the suggestions being considered.
While Sikkim landslide army camp tragedies are rare, the event has brought to light the risks soldiers face in high-altitude and remote border areas—not just from external threats but also from nature.
Nation Mourns, Hope Fades for the Missing
As the rescue operation stretches into its third day, families of the missing soldiers wait anxiously for news. Their sacrifice underlines the silent, often unseen risks of serving in some of the harshest terrains in the world.
Despite the rain and uncertainty, the Army remains committed to finding its missing soldiers. For now, the nation prays and stands united in grief.
