Landslides Trap 1,000 Tourists in North Sikkim: Rescue Ops Underway

Extensive landslides caused by relentless rain have stranded 1,000 tourists in Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang regions of North Sikkim, with key roads closed and all travel permits suspended until further notice. 

Landslides occurred in the Munshithang region on the road from Lachen to Chungthang, and Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang highway, severing links to popular tourist places such as the Yumthang Valley and the Gurudongmar Lake.

Around 200 tourist vehicles were stranded near Chungthang, 100 km from Gangtok, with travelers taking refuge in a local Gurudwara. The authorities, led by Mangan district SP Sonam Dechu Bhutia, all canceled April 25 permits and warned against traveling due to dangerous roads and continuing rain.

Rescue operations are underway, but incessant rain and chances of landslides are becoming a nuisance. 

The roads concerned are strategically important for movement within the state, particularly during the spring season and summer season. Tour operators have been asked to cancel tours to North Sikkim until further notice.

The accident occurred during recent disruption on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which reopened after a three-day closure, and a terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 persons were killed