Heavy rainfall in North Sikkim has triggered landslides, stranding around 150–200 tourists in Chungthang. Authorities have launched rescue efforts, while key routes to Lachen remain blocked.
Read More: Y Patton Attends BJP Training in Wokha
Key Facts
- Location: North Sikkim (Mangan–Chungthang–Lachen route)
- Cause: Heavy and continuous rainfall
- Tourists Stranded: 150–200
- Rescue Agencies: District Administration, ITBP, BRO
- Road Status: Lachen route blocked, Lachung route partially restored
- Advisory: Tourists asked to avoid travel to North Sikkim
Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides in North Sikkim
Heavy and persistent rainfall has triggered multiple landslides across North Sikkim. As a result, road connectivity has suffered major disruptions in the region.
The landslides intensified on Tuesday night and blocked key stretches along the Mangan–Chungthang and Chungthang–Lachen routes. Consequently, hundreds of travelers found themselves stranded in remote areas.
Tourists Stranded, Rescue Efforts Underway
Around 150 to 200 tourists became stranded in Chungthang due to road blockages. However, authorities quickly launched rescue and relief operations.
Mangan District Collector Anant Jain confirmed that the road to Lachen remains the worst affected. Meanwhile, the district administration, along with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), shifted stranded tourists to safer locations.
Most tourists are currently staying at ITBP camps and a local gurudwara in Chungthang. In addition, officials are providing food, water, and medical assistance.
Road Conditions and Restoration Work
The route toward Lachen remains completely closed due to severe landslides. In contrast, authorities cleared the road to Lachung earlier in the day.
As a result, officials safely escorted several groups of tourists back toward Gangtok. However, intermittent rainfall continues to slow down restoration efforts.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed heavy machinery and personnel to clear debris. Nevertheless, unstable terrain remains a major challenge for workers.
Fresh Advisory Issued for Travelers
Authorities have issued a fresh advisory urging tourists to postpone travel to North Sikkim. Until weather conditions improve, officials will not reopen affected routes.
Furthermore, safety concerns remain high due to the risk of additional landslides. Therefore, travelers have been advised to follow official updates closely.
Recent Disruptions and Weather Challenges
This disruption comes shortly after the Lachen route reopened on March 9 following repairs linked to the 2023 glacial lake outburst flood. However, fresh rainfall has once again affected connectivity.
Meanwhile, high-altitude destinations in East Sikkim, such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass, remain closed. Heavy snowfall and avalanche alerts have forced authorities to restrict access.
Question & Answer Section
Q1: What caused the landslides in North Sikkim?
Heavy and continuous rainfall triggered multiple landslides.
Q2: How many tourists are stranded?
Around 150 to 200 tourists were stranded in Chungthang.
Q3: What steps have authorities taken?
Authorities relocated tourists to safe shelters and provided essential supplies.
Q4: Which roads are affected?
The Lachen route remains blocked, while the Lachung route has partially reopened.
Q5: What advisory has been issued?
Tourists have been advised to avoid travel to North Sikkim until conditions improve.
Location Context
Sikkim is a key tourist destination known for its fragile mountain terrain and high-altitude routes. Therefore, landslides and extreme weather frequently impact connectivity and travel safety in the region.
Also Read: Left Front Seeks Central Forces for Tripura Polls
