In a major disruption for travellers, over 200 tourists have been stranded in North Sikkim after heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides, blocking crucial road connectivity near Chungthang.
The situation unfolded late Tuesday night when landslides hit the vital route connecting Chungthang to Lachen, leaving tourists stuck midway in the mountainous region.
What Caused the Sikkim Landslides?
According to officials, continuous rainfall in North Sikkim led to sudden landslides along the Chungthang-Lachen stretch. This route is a key access point for tourists visiting high-altitude destinations.
Mangan District Collector Anant Jain confirmed that the landslides disrupted traffic completely, forcing authorities to halt movement for safety reasons.
Where Are the Stranded Tourists Staying?
Authorities acted quickly to ensure safety. The stranded tourists were accommodated overnight at an ITBP camp and a local gurudwara in Chungthang, providing them shelter and basic facilities.
Officials have assured that all tourists are safe and are being monitored closely as weather conditions remain unstable.
Is Road Connectivity Being Restored?
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already started restoration work to clear the debris and reopen the blocked roads.
However, authorities have made it clear that travel will only resume once the routes are declared fully safe. Weather conditions will play a key role in deciding when movement can restart.
What About Other Tourist Routes?
There is some relief for travellers on the Lachung side. The road to Lachung, which was also blocked due to landslides, has now been cleared. Tourists from that area were safely sent back to Gangtok on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, several stranded tourists have chosen to cancel their trips and return to Gangtok as a precaution.
Why Are Popular Tourist Spots Closed?
Adding to travel woes, major attractions like Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass remain closed due to heavy snowfall in recent days.
Officials said the region is witnessing intermittent rainfall and snowfall, making conditions risky for tourists.
Was This Route Already Damaged Before?
The Chungthang-Lachen route had only recently reopened on March 9 after suffering massive damage during the 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and prioritising tourist safety. Travel permissions will depend on weather improvement and successful road clearance.
