Heavy rainfall and massive landslides have left over 1,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim, disrupting travel routes and forcing authorities to suspend all permits for the region. The affected areas include Chungthang, Lachung, and Lachen, where roads have been blocked due to debris and flooding.
Key Developments
- 200 tourist vehicles are stuck at Chungthang Gurudwara and ITBP camp, while 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachung.
- Landslides have occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road, worsening accessibility.
- The Mangan District Administration has cancelled all travel permits for North Sikkim, advising tour operators not to send tourists until further notice.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days.
Rescue & Relief Efforts
Authorities are working to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of stranded tourists. The NHPC power plant’s dams have been opened to maintain safe water levels, while local officials are assessing damage and coordinating relief operations.
Travel Advisory
Tourists planning to visit North Sikkim are advised to postpone their trips until conditions improve. The district administration has urged travelers to stay updated on official advisories and avoid high-risk areas.
As rescue operations continue, authorities remain focused on clearing blocked roads and ensuring the safe evacuation of stranded tourists.
Stay tuned for more updates on weather alerts and travel advisories.
