Tourists Stranded in Sikkim after Landslides

A series of landslides has made it difficult for tourists to return to a safe location. It is estimated that close to 1000 tourists were stranded in Sikkim’s Lachen and Lachung after a mass landslide occurred on Thursday, claimed one of the senior police officials. Sonam Detchu Bhuta SP police claimed that close to 1500 tourists and their vehicles were stuck near the landslide location, and their cars were accommodated in a nearby village, and they were rescued on Friday.

The people rescued from the landslides have been positioned at temples, Gurudwaras and the border camps to ensure their safety and security. “They were taken out on Friday morning and have already left for Gangtok,” informed SP Bhutia. The district police chief complained that the landslides occurred because of heavy rainfall in the region of Chungthang and Lachen. Tourists who were stranded after the heavy rainfall in Lachen and Lachung are still in the region

The travel permit issued to the people has now been cancelled, even to those who had the permit in advance. The decision came into force after the devastating conditions of the region, which is according to many, is life-threatening. The tour operators have been instructed not to send tourists to Sikkim until the conditions improve and the region becomes safe for tourists. Sikkim was one of the worst-hit regions in the 2023 glacier outburst.

Munshithang and Chungthang regions have been affected massively, which is leading to challenges in the movement of essential goods and the movement of tourists. Several independent agencies are working together to manage the situation effectively. The region faces immense challenges and might become a highly vulnerable place during the monsoons. Despite all the odds, the region is always flocked with tourists as it has mesmerized people with its natural charm and beauty.

With recent updates coming from the region, close to 126 vehicles that were stranded in the region have now been evacuated. The movement started from the areas as the situation improved. BRO is working tirelessly to ensure that the movement of essential services and people, and active monitoring of the situation, is being done so that safety can be provided to the tourists visiting the area.