Operation Himrahat: Indian Army Rescues 46 Tourists Stranded in East Sikkim Snowfall

Guwahati: In yet another significant high-altitude rescue operation carried out by the Indian Army in East Sikkim, 46 tourists stranded after heavy snowfall were successfully rescued.

The critical rescue mission that was initiated on 22 February under the name ‘Operation Himrahat’ was aimed at saving the lives of the stranded tourists after a sudden and intense snowfall brought traffic to a standstill along vulnerable stretches of mountain roads. Reports suggested that many tourist vehicles were left immobilised amid the sub-zero temperatures, risking the tourists as they were exposed to severe cold and altitude-related medical conditions.

According to the Defence PRO, the team acted swiftly, deploying army personnel to the affected area and initiating coordinated rescue efforts at the earliest. Altogether 46 stranded tourists were safely rescued from the treacherous zone and transported safely to the nearest Army camp.

Medical examinations were conducted at the camp, and they were provided with warm shelter, hot food, heating facilities, and other essential relief materials in order to bring them to normalcy in terms of health and morale.

Apart from the successful evacuation of the stranded civilians, the army also helped relocate more than 150 tourist vehicles to secure the affected areas. The well-coordinated intervention helped regulate traffic flow and thus prevented panic, reducing the risk of further exposure in the harsh high-altitude environment.

Also Read: BRO Reopens Lifeline to North Sikkim with Lachen Axis, 400 ft Taram Chu Bridge