Tourists Stranded in Sikkim After Landslides Block Key Routes
Around 150 to 200 tourists have been stranded in Chungthang, located in North Sikkim, following multiple landslides triggered by persistent heavy rainfall. District Collector Anant Jain confirmed the situation, highlighting the disruption to travel in the scenic Himalayan region.
Road Disruptions and Shelter Arrangements
The landslides occurred along crucial routes connecting Gangtok to Lachen and Chungthang to Lachen, effectively trapping tourists who were en route to Lachen at Chungthang. In response to the emergency, authorities have accommodated the stranded tourists at an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp and a local gurudwara, as reported by news agency PTI.
Movement towards Lachen remains completely disrupted due to road blockages at multiple points. District Collector Jain stated that if weather conditions improve, authorities will conduct a thorough assessment of the situation. Travel may only be permitted once the routes are officially declared safe for passage.
Partial Clearance and Ongoing Monitoring
In a positive development, the road to Lachung has been successfully cleared. Tourists from that side have been safely transported back to Gangtok, alleviating some of the pressure on local resources. However, authorities are maintaining a vigilant watch as intermittent rainfall continues to affect the region, posing risks of further landslides or delays.
Recent Weather-Related Incidents in Sikkim
This incident follows earlier severe weather disturbances in the state. Earlier this month, parts of Pakyong, Gangtok, and Mangan districts were hit by a severe thunderstorm accompanied by a hailstorm. The extreme weather led to the tripping of several 66 kV transmission lines, causing significant power disruptions in various areas.
According to the state Power Department, specific impacts included:
- In Pakyong district, one conductor of the 66 kV Rorathang-Rongli transmission line snapped near the Amba area, affecting power supply to Rongli and Rhenock.
- In Gangtok district, sparking accompanied by a loud noise was reported near the Namli area on the 66 kV Marchak-Macleods transmission line, impacting supply to Nimtar, Topakhani, and Singtam.
- Additionally, the 66 kV LLHP-Sichey transmission line could not be sustained during trial charging, further complicating restoration efforts.
The combination of these events underscores the vulnerability of the region to adverse weather conditions and the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in maintaining infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
