Key Points
- Over 1,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim after massive landslides block key highways.
- Rescue operations ongoing; more than 1,100 tourists evacuated from Chungthang, 1,800 still await rescue in Lachung and Lachen.
- Heavy, continuous rainfall since Thursday triggered landslides at Munshithang and Lema/Bob, cutting off access to popular hill stations.
- All tourist permits for North Sikkim suspended; previously issued permits cancelled until further notice.
- Temporary shelters and basic amenities provided to stranded tourists; local authorities and police coordinating relief efforts.
- Chief Minister and Governor assure all tourists are safe; rescue teams working round the clock.
Gangtok: A series of massive landslides, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, struck North Sikkim late Thursday night, leaving over 1,000 tourists stranded in the region’s most popular hill stations-Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang. The disaster has severely disrupted travel, with key highways buried under debris and access to these scenic destinations completely cut off.
Landslides Block Key Highways, Hundreds of Vehicles Trapped
The worst-affected areas are Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road. These routes, vital for tourism and local life, became impassable as large boulders and mudslides blocked the way. Visuals from the region show flooded roads, vehicles trapped in the debris, and continuous heavy downpour hampering relief efforts.
On Thursday night, around 200 tourist vehicles were stranded at Chungthang, nearly 100 km from Gangtok. Many of the stranded tourists spent the night in a local Gurudwara, where authorities provided food and shelter.
Massive Rescue and Relief Efforts
Responding swiftly, Sikkim Police, local authorities, and emergency teams launched a large-scale rescue operation. By Friday, more than 1,100 tourists had been evacuated from Chungthang using a reconstructed Bailey bridge at Sangkalang, now open for emergency traffic. The rescued tourists are being transported to Gangtok, the state capital.
However, the crisis is far from over. Approximately 1,800 tourists remain stranded in Lachen and Lachung, where roads are still blocked by mudslides. Authorities are racing against time to clear debris and restore connectivity, with the Border Roads Organisation and local agencies working round the clock.
Permits Suspended, Travel Halted
In light of the hazardous conditions, the Sikkim government has suspended all tourist permits to North Sikkim until further notice. All previously issued permits have been cancelled, and tour operators have been instructed not to send any new visitors northward. The district administration has urged all travelers to avoid the region until the situation stabilizes.
Tourists Provided Shelter, Medical Care
District officials have set up temporary shelters and are providing stranded tourists with food, water, and medical assistance. Emergency helplines are active, and local police are coordinating with tour operators to ensure everyone’s safety[4][8][14]. Helicopters are on standby for airlifting if weather conditions improve, though poor visibility has delayed aerial rescue so far.
Leadership and Community Response
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang have both assured the public that all tourists are safe. The Chief Minister is personally supervising rescue and relief operations, and the administration is making every effort to expedite the evacuation and provide comfort to those affected.
Weather Outlook and Ongoing Risks
The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall for the next 48 hours, raising concerns about further landslides and delays in rescue operations. April is typically a peak tourist season in Sikkim, with pleasant temperatures and blooming valleys, but the current spell of heavy rain has brought travel and tourism to a standstill.
“A massive landslide has occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen Chungthang road and Lema/Bob on the Lachung Chungthang road. Further, it has been raining continuously in North Sikkim. The road to Chungthang is open, but due to heavy rain, it cannot be accessed at night. Hence, permits for North Sikkim will not be issued tomorrow, and all the advanced permits issued are deemed cancelled.”
Sonam Dechu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Mangan district
North Sikkim is facing a major crisis as landslides triggered by days of heavy rain have stranded over 1,000 tourists and blocked all major routes to popular destinations. While more than 1,100 tourists have been rescued so far, nearly 1,800 remain trapped in remote hill stations. With all travel permits suspended and rescue operations ongoing, authorities urge travelers to avoid North Sikkim until the situation improves. The state government and local agencies continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.
