six-dead-1500-tourists-stuck-in-sikkim-landslide

At least six people lost their lives and around 1,500 tourists found themselves stranded as severe landslides, triggered by incessant rainfall, wreaked havoc in northern Sikkim's Mangan district, officials reported on Thursday.

 

Roads are still blocked and houses are still inundated, also, several structures were damaged due to the landslides. The situation worsened as the Teesta River overflowed, flooding the Melli Stadium in south Sikkim, leaving many homeless.

 

The lifeline connecting North Sikkim to Kalimpong in West Bengal, National Highway 10, has been completely cut off due to landslides.

 

A newly-built bailey bridge at The lifeline connecting North Sikkim to Kalimpong in West Bengal, National Highway 10, has been completely cut off due to landslides. collapsed, further isolating areas like Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, known for tourist attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley.

 

Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri convened an urgent meeting to address the situation, reporting three fatalities each in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages.

 

The devastation extended to Geythang, with numerous houses damaged and roads blocked at Nampathang near Pentok. A relief camp has been set up at Pakshep for the displaced.

 

Despite efforts, mobile network services remained disrupted in North Sikkim. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has instructed authorities to provide swift response and assistance to the affected. The extent of damage and casualties is yet to be determined.

 

Last October, over 100 lives were lost in a glacial lake outburst flood in North Sikkim. The recent flooding from the Teesta River has submerged roads at Melli Bazar, adding to the region's woes.