Gangtok, April 28: In a dramatic rescue operation, authorities successfully evacuated around 800 tourists stranded between Tsomgo Lake and Thegu in East Sikkim following a sudden snowstorm and hail that struck the region on Sunday. The joint efforts of the Sikkim Police and the Indian Army ensured that all stranded individuals were brought to safety, with no reported casualties or major injuries.
The snowstorm, which occurred on April 27, created treacherous road conditions that made vehicular movement nearly impossible. Rescue teams acted quickly, providing immediate assistance and temporary shelters for those affected. In light of the heavy snowfall, Nathula Pass has been closed to tourists, and no travel permits were issued on Monday, April 28. This decision was made to prioritize visitor safety amid the hazardous conditions.
Earlier in the week, heavy rains had already caused significant disruptions in North Sikkim, resulting in the evacuation of over 1,000 tourists due to landslides. The relentless rains, which reached up to 130 mm on April 24, triggered multiple landslides in the region, severely impacting road connectivity and travel safety.
On April 25, the district administration reported that 1,100 tourists were rescued from Chungthang, followed by 1,200 from Lachung on April 26, and 600 from Lachen on April 27. Many of these tourists had taken shelter in makeshift accommodations, including a Gurudwara in Chungthang, as they awaited evacuation.
The Mangan district collector, Anant Jain, along with local authorities, led the evacuation efforts, coordinating with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to restore road access. The BRO has been working tirelessly under Project Swastik to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore vital connectivity to popular tourist destinations such as Lachen, Lachung, and the Valley of Flowers.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, BRO teams achieved a significant breakthrough when they partially reopened the road to Lachung for one-way traffic on April 26. This allowed for the safe evacuation of stranded tourists via Donkyala Pass. However, the ongoing threat of landslides has led authorities to suspend all permits for travel to North Sikkim until further notice.
Sonam Dechu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police in Mangan, confirmed the cancellation of permits due to the hazardous conditions, urging both residents and tourists to refrain from travel in the area. "A massive landslide has occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and at 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," Bhutia stated.
The Indian Army has played a crucial role in the relief operations, providing essential services such as food, shelter, and medical assistance to those stranded. Their collaboration with local authorities has ensured that families are reunited and that no one is left behind amid the crisis. The army's efforts have focused on clearing snow and debris blocking key routes, enabling the restoration of connectivity to critical areas.
As the weather department continues to warn of more rainfall in the coming days, the administration has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of tourists and residents alike. The suspension of tourism activities in Eastern Sikkim is expected to remain in place until the weather conditions improve.
Authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy in the region, with the hope that the situation will stabilize soon. The swift action taken by the Sikkim Police, the Indian Army, and local authorities has been met with appreciation from the community, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts during emergencies.
As the situation evolves, officials remain vigilant, monitoring weather patterns and road conditions closely. The safety of visitors and residents remains the top priority as Sikkim grapples with the impacts of extreme weather.
