Safe Evacuation of Stranded Tourists in North Sikkim Amidst Heavy Rains

Gangtok, Jun 2 (PTI) The first group of 18 tourist vehicles from Lachung in North Sikkim, carrying over 100 stranded tourists, have safely arrived at Phidang in Lower Dzongu, authorities reported on Monday. The convoy was led by Mangan District Collector Anant Jain to ensure the secure transportation of tourists. From Phidang, the tourists will further proceed to Gangtok.

The evacuation, initiated this morning, was a coordinated effort involving the local administration and police, Army, BRO, ITBP, Forest Department, Lachung Dzumsa, TAAS, SHRA, Drivers' Associations, other tourism stakeholders, and local residents. Another convoy consisting of 284 vehicles, 16 bikes, and 1,678 tourists (737 males, 561 females, and 380 children) has passed the Theng Check Post and is en route to Phidang.

District Collector Jain praised everyone involved in the evacuation and confirmed that all the tourists from Lachung would be safely transported today via the Lachung-Chungthang-Siphgyer-Phidang route towards Gangtok. Efforts to restore road connectivity to Lachen are ongoing, with plans to evacuate stranded tourists from there once the road reopens.

Heavy rains have affected the Mangan district, causing damage to two bridges and stranding tourists in North Sikkim. The BRO reported that a sudden cloudburst and heavy rains on May 30 wreaked havoc in the area.

Sikkim DGP Akshay Sachdeva personally welcomed the tourists evacuated from Lachung, alongside IGP Law and Order Tashi Wangyal, DIG Range Gangtok Pratap Pradhan, and SP Mangan Sonam Detchu Bhutia. The tourists expressed gratitude towards the Government of Sikkim and all agencies involved in the evacuation process.

In a separate update, the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department advised tourists to travel cautiously and plan trips based on the latest road and weather reports from official sources. With the monsoon season near, heavy rainfall may cause landslides and road obstructions, particularly on routes to remote tourist spots.

"Your safety remains our utmost priority. In the event of road blockages or unforeseen circumstances, necessary relief and evacuation support will be promptly provided to stranded tourists," stated the department.

Meanwhile, Mangan district authorities have resumed search and rescue operations for nine missing tourists, including a driver, whose vehicle plunged into the Teesta River on May 29, following improved weather conditions. The operation is being conducted under the supervision of district police, administration, ITBP, Army, BRO, NDRF, GREF, Fire and medical teams, and other stakeholders.

The two tourists who were rescued and treated at STNM Hospital, Gangtok, are now in stable condition and recovering well, according to officials.

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