Over 1,270 Indian travellers and two foreigners remain marooned in the picturesque yet now dangerous regions of Lachen and Lachung in Sikkim’s Mangan district, following relentless rains and landslides that have crippled connectivity and suspended rescue operations.
Evacuation attempts scheduled for Sunday were thwarted after fresh landslides blocked critical access points. Meanwhile, search operations continue for eight tourists who disappeared on May 29 when their vehicle plunged into the swollen Teesta River near Munshithang. Their fate remains uncertain.
In Dzongu, the recently rebuilt Phidang Bailey bridge — constructed after the devastating glacial lake outburst in 2023 — has sustained foundational damage from the gushing river, rendering it unsafe for vehicles. Currently, it is only walkable, with limited emergency movement allowed after partial repairs by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).
Shipgyer in Upper Dzongu witnessed a new landslide on Friday night, worsening the already fragile condition of the roads. According to Mangan district police officer Sonam Detchu Bhutia, landslides have made travel impossible and communication unstable.
Zilla Panchayat Upadhakshya Sonam Kipa Bhutia warned that nearly 700 to 800 tourists might still be stranded in higher altitudes. “The roads are in deplorable condition. With the Phidang bridge compromised, even emergency access is under threat,” she said.
Authorities remain on high alert, exploring alternate evacuation methods amid weather uncertainties and terrain challenges.
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