The relentless rain and ensuing landslides have led to dire scenarios across Sikkim. The northern region is devastated. Around 2000 visitors remain trapped. Persistent precipitation has significantly impacted road transportation between Mangan and Lachung due to multiple landslide incidents. The local Sikkim administration is continuously attempting to evacuate tourists. Helicopters are on standby to rescue them, but adverse weather conditions have rendered airlifting currently unfeasible.
About 50 travelers were somehow escorted to safety through makeshift routes on Monday, relocated to Gangtok. The situation has deteriorated to the point that it's challenging to deliver relief supplies to the affected areas of North Sikkim. Following the heavy downpour and landslides on Tuesday morning, traffic on National Highway-10 at Rishikhola on the Bengal-Sikkim border came to a standstill. Earlier, continuous rain and landslides led to the closure of all schools in the Mangan district of Sikkim.
Sikkim's Connection with West Bengal Severed
In fact, the overnight heavy rains have once again devastated National Highway 10, cutting off Sikkim from West Bengal. Massive boulders have fallen onto the highway in the Valukhola and Likhuveer regions, completely halting vehicular traffic. However, the district administration is rapidly working to restore road access.
Source: aajtak
Tourists Stranded for a Week
Earlier on Monday afternoon, a relief operation to evacuate tourists trapped in Tung in the Mangan district was initiated, led by District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri. Tourists, including some foreigners, have been stranded in the town of Lachung for the past week. In many areas of the Mangan district, heavy rainfall and landslides have disrupted roads and communication networks, severing connections with the rest of the country.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is engaged in restoring the road network to facilitate the movement of vehicles from the Mangan district. The recent heavy rains have caused approximately six fatalities due to landslides in Sikkim. The natural calamity has also inflicted damage on properties. Power and food supply, as well as mobile network connections, have been interrupted in several regions.
Source: aajtak
Continuous Rain Washes Away Lachung Road
The incessant rains in Sikkim have also affected Bengal and especially the Teesta River. In Lachung, a house was swept away by the deluge. The Lachung road itself was washed out. Rivers like Singtam and Rangpo (Sikkim) that feed into the Teesta have exceeded danger levels, causing widespread fear among residents.
On the other side, the water entering Teesta from Sikkim has led to a deepening crisis as Teesta's waters have overflowed onto the roads. Last December, the region faced compounded issues due to landslides and the flow of water in Teesta. Many homes were clogged with mud.
