Guwahati, June 8 -- Rescue teams airlifted at least 28 civilians and 20 Indian Army personnel stranded in Chaten, North Sikkim, on Sunday, as heavy rains triggered multiple landslides, severing critical road connectivity in the region.

Officials confirmed that a MI-17 helicopter evacuated 28 civilians, including minors, tourist taxi drivers, and government officials, in the first sortie from Chaten. Subsequently, authorities transported 20 army personnel to Pakyong Greenfield Airport in a second trip.

"The dedicated helicopter also delivered essential supplies to Indian Army troops stationed in the cut-off area, " officials asserted.

Reports indicate that the state government swiftly mobilized the helicopter operation following a distr...