A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Sikkim on Sunday evening, killing at least 54 people, including 42 in India, five in Nepal, and seven in Tibet. Over 100 others were injured, and strong tremors were felt across North and East India, as well as parts of Bangladesh and Nepal. The epicenter was 64 km north-west of Gangtok. Several regions, including Sikkim, Bihar, and West Bengal, experienced extensive damage. Rescue operations, involving over 4,000 personnel, were hampered by landslides and heavy rainfall. The government has airlifted food and medical teams, while the Army and NDRF are working to clear blocked roads and provide relief.
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv crashed during a routine training mission in Porbandar, Gujarat. The crash, which took place at the Coast Guard Air Enclave, claimed the lives of three crew members, including the two pilots. According to officials, the helicopter experienced technical difficulties at around 12:10 pm, leading to the crash. All three crew members were initially rushed to a hospital in critical condition, but despite efforts, they succumbed to their injuries. Two were declared dead upon arrival, while the third died later. The crash, which occurred near the runway, caused a fire that was quickly contained by emergency services. The incident follows recent upgrades to the ALH fleet, which were intended to address previous safety concerns. The Indian Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the crash.