Sikkim Rains: Over 1,200 Tourists Stranded In Lachung, North Bengal On High Alert

sikkim rains: over 1,200 tourists stranded in lachung, north bengal on high alert

Over 1,200 domestic tourists and 15 foreign tourists are stranded in Lachung, located in Sikkim's Mangan district, following torrential rains and landslides that have plagued the region earlier this week. Rock blockages and severe weather conditions have caused significant disruptions, cutting off Lachung from the rest of Sikkim. Despite the adverse conditions, the Sikkim tourism department has confirmed that all stranded tourists are safe and have been advised to stay at their respective locations.

Sikkim Rains

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang addressed the crisis during a high-level meeting at his official residence, Mintokgang, on Friday. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and following safety guidelines. "Our collective efforts are crucial in overcoming this calamity and restoring normalcy to our State," he stated.

The heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides have claimed at least six lives, left thousands stranded, and caused extensive property damage. North Sikkim, particularly, has been heavily impacted, with disruptions in road and mobile connectivity, and interruptions in power and food supply to affected areas. Despite efforts to clear other parts of the state, Lachung remains isolated. Emergency services and essential supplies are being distributed to the worst-hit areas as part of immediate relief measures.

In a related development, the West Bengal Irrigation Department sounded an alert on Friday in the state’s northern districts. The release of water from barrages has exacerbated the water surge in the Teesta river, posing a significant threat to the floodplains of Jalpaiguri. Low-lying, river-adjacent areas in Jalpaiguri experienced flood-like conditions, prompting authorities to urge residents to evacuate to higher ground. Precautionary measures have been implemented, and authorities are on high alert for any potential emergencies.

Earlier this week, the heavy rains and landslides in Sikkim caused the Teesta river to swell, choking road connectivity between Sikkim and north Bengal. Key areas, including Kalimpong’s Teesta Bazar, were inundated, leading to the closure of crucial roads such as Kalimpong-Darjeeling Road and NH10, which connects Sikkim and north Bengal.

This disaster recalls the flash floods in Sikkim in October last year, which claimed over a hundred lives and affected both Sikkim and north Bengal, including the Kalimpong’s Teesta Bazar area. That flood was reportedly triggered by a glacial lake outburst, highlighting the region's vulnerability to natural calamities.

As the state government coordinates with the Centre to potentially airlift the stranded tourists once weather conditions improve, residents and tourists alike are urged to remain cautious and cooperate with the authorities to ensure safety and expedite the restoration of normalcy.