Massive Landslides Strand Thousands in North Sikkim Amid Heavy Rainfall
As of April 26, approximately 1,100 tourists have been successfully evacuated, with 57 moved on foot from Bop to Lema on April 25.
GANGTOK- North Sikkim is grappling with a severe crisis as relentless heavy rainfall since April 24 has triggered massive landslides, stranding over 2,900 tourists in the popular destinations of Lachen and Lachung. The landslides have blocked critical roads, including the Lachen-Chungthang and Lachung-Chungthang routes, severely disrupting connectivity and leaving roads impassable, particularly at night due to ongoing downpours.
According to Mangan Police, a significant landslide at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and another at Lema/Bop on the Lachung-Chungthang route have compounded the crisis. As of April 26, approximately 1,100 tourists have been successfully evacuated, with 57 moved on foot from Bop to Lema on April 25.
However, around 1,800 tourists remain stranded, awaiting rescue as treacherous conditions hamper operations. The Sikkim Police have suspended all travel permits to North Sikkim, urging tourists to avoid the region until the situation stabilizes.
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The Sikkim government, in coordination with the police, district administration, and disaster management teams, is working tirelessly to evacuate stranded tourists. Rescue operations are being led by senior officials, including the Mangan Police, fire personnel, and volunteers. Visuals from the affected areas show flooded roads, debris-strewn landscapes, and vehicles stuck in muddy terrain, underscoring the scale of the devastation.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who has been closely monitoring the situation, has directed the administration to provide all possible support to affected individuals, including temporary shelters and basic necessities. Relief camps have been set up, and efforts are underway to restore connectivity, though damaged infrastructure poses significant challenges.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Sikkim, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, which could exacerbate the situation.
The continuous downpour has turned roads into rivers, complicating rescue efforts and raising concerns about further landslides. The state government has advised tour operators to halt sending tourists to North Sikkim and is prioritizing the safety of those stranded.
As rescue operations continue, the state government has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities. With the weather forecast predicting more rain, the focus remains on evacuating stranded tourists and mitigating further damage in this Himalayan state.
