Sikkim Landslides: Over 1,200 Tourists Stranded and 9 Lives Lost
Massive sikkim landslides triggered by incessant rainfall have left over 1,200 tourists, including 15 foreigners, stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan district. The rainfall, which has persisted for more than 36 hours, has caused severe disruptions and claimed nine lives, according to an official report on Friday.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang convened an emergency meeting in Mintokgang to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Principal Secretary of the Sikkim Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, C S Rao, announced that the Chief Secretary’s office has initiated proceedings to airlift the stranded tourists. “Rao stated that heavy rainfall and landslides have caused road blockages, stranding around 1,200 domestic tourists and 15 foreign tourists (including two from Thailand, three from Nepal, and ten from Bangladesh) in Lachung, Mangan district.
The Sikkim landslides have resulted in significant property damage, road connectivity issues, power outages, and disruptions in food supplies and mobile networks across several areas. Blocked roads and flooded or damaged houses, along with swept-away electric poles, have compounded the crisis.
Rao assured the safety of all the stranded tourists and urged locals to remain cautious. He confirmed that there are adequate food supplies and rations to cater to those stranded. If necessary, tourists will be evacuated by road as a last resort.
In North Sikkim, the situation is further complicated by the collapse of a newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang and a destroyed bamboo bridge. The bailey bridge, built last year after a flash flood in the Teesta river, is part of the disrupted infrastructure. Local officials are working to construct a bridge at Phidang to restore connectivity.
CM Tamang directed officials to closely monitor the situation and expedite efforts to restore connectivity. Authorities are taking measures to address the most critical issues and are appealing to the public to stay alert and adhere to safety guidelines while normalcy is restored.
The CM’s meeting was crucial for strategizing and coordinating the response to the disaster, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and tourists alike.
