View of landslide after rain in North Sikkim, Chief Minister Tamang
– Photo: ANI
Expansion
The evacuation of more than 1,200 tourists stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan district may begin on Monday. Chungthang Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kiran Thatal said that if the weather remains favorable, the evacuation process will be carried out by air or road. So far the conditions were unfavorable due to the weather. Therefore, the evacuation of tourists could not be started.
Arrangements were made to accommodate the stranded tourists
The official said that the district administration is making arrangements for the stay of the stranded tourists. They will be accommodated in different hotels in Lachung town. Also, food will be provided at a very low price. If any tourist faces any inconvenience, they have been instructed to report to the Lachung police station. The SDM also called a meeting with Chungthang BDO Pipon Lachung and hotel owners to discuss the evacuation process. Thatal said, ‘The hotel owners have also been told not to ask tourists to vacate their rooms until the evacuation process begins.’
Heavy losses due to rain and landslides
Heavy damage has been caused in Sikkim due to the rain and landslides that have been continuing for the last few days. At some places, roads have been broken and at other places, they have been submerged in the river. More than 1,200 domestic and 15 foreign tourists are stranded in Lachung due to the closure of roads in Mangan district due to heavy rains and landslides. Roads have been blocked in Dikchu in East Sikkim and many houses have been damaged. The main road connecting Lingi-Payong in South Sikkim has been completely destroyed by the rain. The Teesta river is constantly flowing above the danger mark, which has increased panic among the people living near the river bank.
Instructed the officials to keep a constant watch on the situation.
The chief minister held a meeting on Friday and directed officials to closely monitor the situation and expedite the process of re-establishing connectivity and relief efforts. Heads of all departments, including Rural Development Department (RDD) Minister Arun Upreti, Road and Bridge Minister N.B. Dahal, were present in the meeting.