NewKerala.com

Key Points

The crucial Chungthang-Phidang road in Sikkim's Mangan district has been reopened, facilitating the evacuation of stranded tourists. This operation involves multiple agencies, including the ITBP and Indian Army, working together to ensure a safe retreat. Meanwhile, a rescue mission continues for nine tourists suspected missing after a recent vehicle accident. Heavy rains and landslides have complicated operations, with forecasts indicating continued inclement weather in the region.

Key Points: Chungthang-Phidang Road Reopens for Tourist Evacuation in Sikkim

  • Chungthang-Phidang road restoration enables tourist evacuation
  • Multiple agencies unite for rescue efforts in Sikkim
  • Search continues for missing after Mangan accident
  • Heavy rainfall forecasted in Sikkim affects ongoing operations
3 min read

Sikkim: Chungthang-Phidang road in Mangan district restored, evacuation of stranded tourists begins

Sikkim restores key road, begins evacuating stranded tourists amid ongoing search for missing.

"Our teams are working to locate them. Something like a dead body was visible. - Mangan SP Dechu Bhutia"

Mangan June 2

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim announced on Monday that the Chungthang-Phidang road in Mangan District has been restored, allowing for the safe evacuation of stranded tourists to commence.

The evacuation operation is being carried out under the close supervision of the District Police and Administration, with active involvement from various agencies, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Fire and Medical Teams, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-tourism (IHCAE) Chemchey, Driver Association, along with the support of local volunteers and others.

Meanwhile, a search and rescue operation is still underway for nine tourists who went missing after a tragic vehicle accident in the Mangan District on May 29.

On Sunday, Mangan district Superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia said that over a thousand tourists were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan District due to the rains inducing landslides, bridge collapse and damage along with a high rise of the River Teesta.

He said the evacuation process had to be delayed due to the landslide on Friday in Shipgyer in Upper Dozongu. The Mangan SP assured that the evacuation of tourists will be carried out on Monday. Further, damages to the base of the Phidang bridge have restricted vehicular movement to the Dzongu constituency. The GREF carried out the restoration work on Sunday, allowing residents and a few emergency service vehicles to commute on foot.

Multiple tourists are also reported missing, he said, "Our teams are working to locate them. The vehicle was visible two days prior, but now with the rising river level, the vehicle cannot be located... We could locate a few mobile phones and identity cards, which we kept in the police station, but no trace of the missing individuals. Something like a dead body was visible. The body is at such a location in the cliff that we could not see it either through the u or by crossing the river with a lifeboat."

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on May 30 that as the depression over Bangladesh is likely to move nearly north-northeastwards and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area during the next 12 hours, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to continue in various regions. For the next few days, IMD has forecast that rains will likely occur in most northeast regions on June 5, with no significant change in maximum temperature in various areas.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great to see our forces working tirelessly in such difficult conditions! 🙏 The BRO and ITBP deserve special appreciation. But we must also think about better infrastructure planning in Himalayan regions - these tragedies are becoming too frequent. #StayStrongSikkim
P
Priya M.
My cousin was among the stranded tourists in Lachung! Finally got a call that they're being evacuated. Can't thank the local volunteers and administration enough for their efforts. But this incident shows we need better early warning systems for tourists visiting during monsoon.
A
Arjun S.
The missing tourists' situation is heartbreaking 💔. While relief work is commendable, why were tourists allowed to travel on these routes when IMD had predicted heavy rains? Need stricter regulations during monsoon season in sensitive areas.
S
Sunita T.
As someone who frequently visits Sikkim, I must say the local communities are the real heroes here. They always step up during crises. But the government must invest more in permanent solutions - these temporary road repairs won't last. The Himalayas deserve better!
V
Vikram J.
The Teesta river has become so unpredictable due to climate change. This isn't just about tourism - local livelihoods are at stake too. Need comprehensive river management plans involving all Himalayan states and neighboring countries.
N
Neha P.
While we appreciate the rescue efforts, why isn't there more focus on the missing tourists? Their families must be devastated. Authorities should deploy more advanced search equipment like drones in these difficult terrains. Every life matters!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50