NewsGate Press Network

Massive rescue operations conducted by the India Air Force (IAF) in Sikkim till date has resulted in saving the lives of nearly 2000 civilians in wake of flash floods.

According to a statement issued by the Sikkim Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on 18th of October 2023, over 4,400 civilians were evacuated from the affected districts.

Senior IAF officials stated relief operations were conducted by Cheetah, Chinook, Mi-17 1V and Mi-17 V5 helicopters.

Till date the IAF conducted 262 sorties that moved 2,002 civilians from the flood-affected locations to safer places and the shifting of over 1,32,805 kg of relief material to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the Sikkim flash flood rose to 40, with 76 more still missing in the disaster-hit state, an official statement said.
“A total number of people were evacuated in Mangan (2705) Gangtok (1025), Pakyong (58) Namchi (630) however there are 40 casualties, with Pakyong facing the most deaths (15),” the official statement of the Sikkim Disaster Authority said.

SSDMA said currently, 1,852 people are being sheltered in 19 relief camps across four districts of the state.