Over 1,278 Tourists Stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan; Rescue Efforts Hit by Landslides and Rising Teesta Waters

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

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

COMMENTS