Sikkim: Tourist evacuation begins in Toong, major bridges washed out

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The evacuation process of stranded tourists in Chungthang began from Toong via Mangan through roadways at noon on June 17. This effort is being facilitated by the District Administrative team led by Hem Kumar Chettri, alongside the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Forest officials, and the Travel Agent Association of Sikkim (TAAS).
Despite incessant rains and multiple landslides, the team is carrying out the evacuation process with safety and caution, in batches. So far 50 tourists have been evacuated in the first batch, with a second batch following them.
Dzongu, Chungthang, and Lachung in North Sikkim are among the areas with no road connectivity, as major bridges have been washed out by the Teesta River. A team from Sikkim Tourism had foot-marched from Mangan to Lachung on Sunday to oversee the evacuation of tourists and assess road conditions.
Initially, authorities planned to airlift tourists using IAF and Tourism Department helicopters. However, due to bad weather conditions, tourists had to be evacuated by road. Speaking to the media Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia urged the tourists not to panic and that the situation in Lachung is normal.
"The situation in Lachung is normal. There is nothing to worry about. All the local authorities and government officials have been engaged. The stranded tourists are advised to stay in their hotel itself and not check out yet. We are also trying to fulfil all their demands. I urge them not to panic and we will either airlift them if the weather clears or rescue them by road at the earliest," Bhutia added.
He also stated that around 1,800 tourists, including drivers, are stranded in North Sikkim. The evacuation is being conducted in phases, prioritizing patients, children, and senior citizens, according to the Minister. Efforts to restore road connectivity between Mangan and Gangtok are underway. Although NH310A from Gangtok up to Mangshila (before Mangan) is open for traffic, it remains littered with numerous landslides and breaches, particularly at the traditional sinking spots at Phensong and Namok.
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[@user-ho1ln5ny1r]

With in One week rain started in Sikkim yesterday rainy day felt during South Bengal
Assam also same with Sikkim where is rain start in last few days
control of summer temperatures now just turning main duty for India it is relted with Many matters

[@kishordeshpande7647]

We eight family members were inthe same region just one day early the incident happened .As number of parameters are responsible to follow the landslides and other problems.Thanks

[@janukisarcar5430]

Why these people don't realize that during rainy season mountain regions will be vulnerable.

[@dogmasigma9486]

Every year landslide happens in sikkim but these clueless fools will still visit around this time of year with their family. I only feel sorry for the kids and elderly people.

[@manikumarrai4575]

To good 👍👌safe tourist.

[@shitalghalay5539]

Tourism june 1st dekhi nai stop gardinu parne thyo monsoon ma pani kina tourism bund na gareko

[@nishanisha3486]

Ohh god

[@user-fx8oe9vb8n]

💔💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭✋✋🙊🙊

[@CristoperCris-ix2rp]

Free sikkim

[@DilipKumar-ou6pg]

Lol tourist's 😂I