Sikkim has been hit by a massive natural disaster
following continuous heavy rainfall, leading to severe landslides that
have isolated the popular tourist destination of Lachen. The disaster has left over
1,000 Bengali tourists stranded, many of whom spent a harrowing night on
the roads waiting for rescue.
Road Infrastructure Collapses
The situation in North Sikkim’s Mangan district is
particularly critical. A significant portion of the road connecting Lachen
and Chungthang has been destroyed by the landslides. Specifically, a major
breach occurred near the Tarum Chu Bridge, leaving a newly constructed
section of the bridge hanging precariously and making the route completely
impassable for vehicles. As a result, long queues of hundreds of vehicles have
formed, and Lachen remains entirely disconnected from the rest of the state.
Emergency Rescue Operations
In response to the crisis, the Sikkim
administration has launched a joint rescue mission on a "war
footing". The following agencies are coordinating efforts to evacuate
the stranded visitors:
- Indian
Army
- Indo-Tibetan
Border Police (ITBP)
- Border
Roads Organization (BRO)
- Local
Police Administration
The current evacuation plan involves moving
tourists via the Lachen–Dongkya La–Lachung–Gangtok route. Workers are
currently struggling to clear snow and repair roads to make this path viable.
Weather Warnings and Safety Advice
The weather remains a major concern. The
Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain in Sikkim until April 11,
which could further hamper rescue efforts and increase the risk of more landslides.
Authorities have issued the following instructions to those currently in the
affected areas:
- Stay
Put: Tourists are advised to remain where they are and avoid traveling
at night.
- Do
Not Panic: The administration has urged everyone to remain calm,
assuring them that rescue is a priority.
- Follow
Guidelines: Adhering to government directives is essential for a safe
evacuation.
Emergency Helplines
For those seeking assistance or information
regarding the stranded tourists, the administration has provided two dedicated
helpline numbers:
- 9907956705
- 03592281007
The evacuation is expected to proceed as soon as
the weather improves and the Dongkya La route is cleared of snow.
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