The Sikkim administration has successfully evacuated 1,225 tourists from Lachung and surrounding areas in Mangan district on the second day of rescue operations. These tourists had been stranded since June 12th and 13th due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain. The evacuation began on June 17th and is expected to continue until all stranded tourists are safely brought to Mangan town.
The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army has been playing a vital role in expediting the relief operations led by civil authorities. Due to the numerous landslides, tourists are being transported on foot or by vehicle wherever roads are accessible. The rescue operation commenced after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored connectivity between Chungthang and Mangan via a newly built bridge at Toong over the Teesta River.
The situation became more critical after the collapse of a newly constructed suspension bridge at Sanklang, which served as the main connection to North Sikkim and Dzongu. The district administration has taken precautionary measures by ordering the immediate closure of all government schools in Mangan district, citing concerns for student safety due to property damage and road blockages. This order affects schools in the Manul, Singhik, Mangan, and Mangshilla clusters of Mangan block and the Lingdong, Hee Gyathang, Passingdong, Lingzya, Tingvong, and Gor clusters of Dzongu block.
The weather department has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sikkim from June 18th to 20th. The rescue efforts are being coordinated by the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, BRO, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local panchayats, and volunteers.
The situation in Sikkim underscores the importance of preparedness for natural disasters and the need for prompt and effective rescue operations. The swift response by the authorities and the support provided by the Indian Army have been crucial in ensuring the safety of the stranded tourists. The ongoing efforts to evacuate remaining tourists and the closure of schools highlight the ongoing challenges posed by the landslides and the need for continuous monitoring of the situation.
