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150-200 Tourists Stranded in Sikkim's Chungthang After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides

Heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides in North Sikkim, blocking key routes and stranding approximately 150 to 200 tourists in Chungthang. The tourists, who were en route to Lachen, are being sheltered at an ITBP camp and a local Gurudwara. While the road to Lachung has been cleared, allowing some tourists to return to Gangtok, movement towards Lachen remains disrupted due to ongoing blockages. Authorities are monitoring the situation as intermittent rainfall continues, with further assessments pending improved weather conditions.

Key Points: Tourists Stranded in Sikkim After Landslides Block Key Routes

  • Tourists stranded in Chungthang
  • Landslides block Gangtok-Lachen route
  • Sheltered at ITBP Camp & Gurudwara
  • Road to Lachung cleared
  • Intermittent rainfall continues
2 min read

Sikkim: 150-200 tourists stranded in Chungthang after multiple landslides

Around 150-200 tourists are stranded in Chungthang, Sikkim, after heavy rainfall triggered landslides, blocking roads to Lachen. Authorities are providing shelter.

"Around 150 to 200 tourists have been stranded in Chungthang following multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall - District Collector Anant Jain"

Mangan, March 25

Around 150 to 200 tourists have been stranded in Chungthang following multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in North Sikkim, according to District Collector Anant Jain.

Jain said the landslides occurred along key routes connecting Gangtok to Lachen and Chungthang to Lachen, leaving tourists en route to Lachen stuck at Chungthang. Tourists have been kept at the ITBP Camp and the Gurudwara.

The District Collector informed that movement towards Lachen remains disrupted due to road blockages at multiple points. However, if weather conditions improve, authorities will assess the situation and may allow travel once routes are deemed safe.

Meanwhile, the road to Lachung has been cleared, and tourists from that side have been safely sent back to Gangtok.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as intermittent rainfall continues to affect the region.

Further information is still awaited.

Earlier this month, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by a hailstorm occurred across several parts of Pakyong, Gangtok, and Mangan districts, leading to the tripping of several 66 kV transmission lines, resulting in power supply disruptions in certain areas.

According to the state Power Department, 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 areas.

In Gangtok District, sparking accompanied by a loud noise was reported near the Namli area on the 66 kV Marchak-Macleods Transmission Line, affecting supply to Nimtar, Topakhani and Singtam, a release said.

Additionally, the 66 kV LLHP-Sichey Transmission Line could not be sustained during trial charging.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sikkim's beauty comes with these risks, especially during this season. Tourists really need to check weather advisories before heading to these remote areas. Thank goodness the road to Lachung is clear and some have been sent back safely.
R
Rohit P
The article mentions power lines snapping earlier this month too. Infrastructure in our hill states needs serious reinforcement to handle these extreme weather events, which are becoming more common. Praying for everyone's safety.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the response seems coordinated, there's a pattern here. The same areas face disruptions repeatedly. Is there a long-term plan to improve road stability and power line resilience, or is it just reactive management every season?
S
Shreya B
Heart goes out to all those stranded. At least they have shelter. The ITBP and local Gurudwara will take good care of them, I'm sure. This is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the mountains. Stay safe, everyone!
D
David E
The logistics of getting 200 people to safety once the roads clear will be a huge task. Hope the weather improves soon and the assessment teams can do their work quickly. Kudos to the district administration for the update.

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