Lagatar24 Desk
Gangtok: Torrential rains and widespread landslides have brought North Sikkim to a halt, stranding over 1,200 tourists—including two foreign nationals—in remote regions such as Lachen and Lachung. The relentless downpour has caused massive destruction, with rising Teesta River levels and damaged infrastructure further complicating rescue efforts.
Evacuation stalled by fresh landslide
Authorities were preparing to begin evacuation on Sunday, but a fresh landslide at Shipgyer in Upper Dzongu on Friday night blocked key access roads. Superintendent of Police for Mangan, Sonam Detchu Bhutia, said, “The evacuation process was supposed to begin on Sunday, but the landslide made it impossible. The road connectivity remains blocked.”
Bridge damage worsens isolation
The Phidang Bailey bridge, hastily rebuilt after the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, has suffered damage again. Its weakened base due to rising Teesta waters has cut off the Dzongu constituency. While GREF managed to restore partial access on Sunday, allowing emergency movement on foot, full-scale evacuation remains impossible. Authorities now hope to begin evacuation by Monday, weather permitting.
Nine missing, search efforts hampered
Efforts to locate nine people missing since May 29 continue. The group went missing when their vehicle plunged into the Teesta River at Munshithang. Although mobile phones and IDs have been recovered, rising waters have hindered search operations. The vehicle, briefly spotted two days ago, has since disappeared again.
Local frustration over poor infrastructure
Local leaders have criticised inadequate restoration work in the region. Sonam Kipa Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Upadhakshya of Mangan, accused GREF of substandard repair work and warned that 700–800 tourists may still be stranded in higher reaches. The Phidang bridge remains a vital but fragile lifeline, and residents fear its total collapse.
Concerns grow amid prolonged monsoon
Residents like Mikmar Tshering Lepcha highlighted that if the Phidang bridge fails, critical supply lines to Dzongu will be severed. Despite calls to restore an adjacent bamboo bridge as a backup, authorities have dismissed the idea, citing the existing structure’s condition. Locals continue to cross the bridge on foot, fearing long-term isolation as the monsoon season stretches ahead.
