Sikkim landslide: 3 dead, search operations underway for missing tourists (Photo: ANI) NEW DELHI: Atleast three persons died and six security peronnel went missing following a landslide in North Sikkim's Chatten area on Sunday evening, including those of military combatants, as authorities continue search operations for more missing persons.The incident has caused extensive damage to nearby habitats while simultaneously leaving over a thousand tourists stranded in Lachen and Lachung regions due to rain-induced landslides, bridge collapse, and rising water levels in the River Teesta.The identification process of the deceased is currently underway as search operations continue in the affected area, according to army officials.A coordinated evacuation effort is being carried out to rescue stranded tourists in Lachung, with Gyatso Lachungpa, president of the Lachung Hotel Association, leading ground operations alongside police, forest personnel, and local residents.PollShould local communities be more involved in disaster response efforts?Absolutely, they know the area bestNo, they should focus on their safetyMembers of the Lachungpa community and hotel owners have taken personal responsibility for visitor safety, actively assisting with logistics, carrying luggage, and helping children navigate the difficult terrain.Mangan district superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia confirmed that the evacuation process faced delays due to a landslide in Shipgyer, Upper Dozongu on Friday. The evacuation was scheduled to resume on Monday.The Phidang bridge has sustained damage to its base, limiting vehicular movement to the Dzongu constituency. The GREF has completed restoration work, allowing pedestrian access for residents and emergency services."Our teams are working to locate them. The vehicle was visible two days prior, but now with the rising river level, the vehicle cannot be located... We could locate a few mobile phones and identity cards, which we kept in the police station, but no trace of the missing individuals. Something like a dead body was visible. The body is at such a location in the cliff that we could not see it either through the u or by crossing the river with a lifeboat," stated SP Bhutia regarding the missing tourists.The India Meteorological Department reported on May 30 that a depression over Bangladesh is expected to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within 12 hours. The department has issued warnings for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to continue in various regions.The IMD forecast predicts rainfall in most northeast regions on June 5, with no significant changes expected in maximum temperatures across various areas.