Northeast Desk, 14th June: At least six people lost their lives and around 1,500 tourists are stranded due to massive landslides caused by relentless rainfall in northern Sikkim’s Mangan district, officials reported on Thursday.
The disaster led to the collapse of a newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang, severing the crucial link between Mangan and the regions of Dzongu and Chungthang. Several roads were blocked, homes inundated or damaged, and electricity poles swept away, further exacerbating the crisis.
Popular tourist destinations such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, known for attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley, are now isolated from the rest of the country.
Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri confirmed the fatalities, stating, “Three persons each died in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages.” He added that numerous houses were damaged in Geythang and Nampathang, and a relief camp has been established in Pakshep for those displaced.
In response to the calamity, the district magistrate convened a meeting with officials to assess the damage and coordinate rescue and relief operations. Mobile network services have been disrupted, prompting the district administration to request an SDRF team to deliver essential supplies to Mangan.
The collapsed bridge at Sangkalang, which had been rebuilt following the Teesta river flood last October, has once again disrupted critical connectivity. Authorities have advised stranded tourists to remain in place until alternative routes are established.
Efforts are underway to quickly construct a bridge at Phidang to restore connectivity in the affected areas, with the Mangan district administration collaborating with various agencies to expedite the process.
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