Over 1,278 Tourists Stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan; Rescue Efforts Hit by Landslides and Rising Teesta Waters
First Published: 1st June, 2025 18:38 IST
The damage to the base of the Phidang bridge has further restricted vehicular movement to Dzongu constituency.
Incessant rainfall has triggered massive landslides and damaged bridges in Sikkim’s Mangan district, leaving 1,276 domestic tourists and two foreign nationals stranded in the popular tourist destinations of Lachen and Lachung. Authorities had planned to begin evacuation on Sunday, but the operation was disrupted after a fresh landslide struck Shipgyer in Upper Dzongu on Friday night.
Superintendent of Police, Mangan, Sonam Dechu Bhutia, stated, “The evacuation process was supposed to begin on Sunday, but the landslide in Shipgyer made it impossible. The road connectivity remains blocked.”
The damage to the base of the Phidang bridge has further restricted vehicular movement to Dzongu constituency. However, the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) restored part of the damaged route on Sunday, allowing local residents and a few emergency service vehicles to travel on foot.
SP Bhutia said, “We will carry out the evacuation of stranded tourists on Monday, depending on the weather and safety conditions.”
Meanwhile, search operations continue for nine individuals missing since May 29, when a tourist vehicle plunged into the Teesta River from Munshithang. The rising water level has complicated rescue efforts.
“Two days ago, we were able to spot the vehicle, but now, with the river swelling, it is no longer visible. We have recovered a few mobile phones and identity cards, which are currently kept at the police station. However, there is still no trace of the missing persons,” SP Bhutia said.
When asked about a visible dead body lodged on a cliff, the SP said, “The body is stuck at such a difficult location that we have not been able to reach it, neither with ropes nor by crossing the river using a lifeboat. The continuous rainfall and rise in the Teesta River are making the situation even more dangerous. The family members of the missing persons are staying in Mangan town, and we are keeping them updated with every rescue development.”
Also Read: Mizoram Landslides: Sialsuk Villagers Open Homes to Over 500 Travellers
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Is Another GLOF Ticking in Sikkim? South Lhonak Lake Once Again Placed in Highest Risk Category
The lake has now refilled to the same dangerous level, raising serious concerns
11th July 2025
Sikkim Makes History: SHG Women Appointed as Chairpersons and OSD in State Government
They described the moment as a proud and empowering milestone for all SHG members in Sikkim.
09th July 2025
Sikkim Minister, Sonam Lama Meets Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Both leaders emphasized collaborative efforts to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the state
09th July 2025
Sikkim Facing Deficit Monsoon, Worst in 5 Years. Is Climate Change Taking a Toll in the Himalayan State?
Supposed to be the peak of monsoon during the first week of July, the state has registered the worst monsoon in half a decade
08th July 2025
Human Bone Fragments Found Nearly a Month After Deadly Landslide Swept Away an Army Camp in Chaten, North Sikkim
One bone piece measures approximately 13 cm, while the other is about 5 cm long.
03rd July 2025