Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel clear debris from a road following landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, in North Sikkim. Pics/PTI
The incident was triggered by heavy rainfall that had been affecting the region since May 30, following a cloudburst and a depression over Bangladesh that caused widespread flooding and landslides. The landslide inflicted significant damage on nearby habitats and more individuals are feared missing. Identification of the deceased is also underway as search operations continues, officials said
Search and rescue operations are still ongoing for nine tourists who went missing after a vehicle accident in Mangan District on May 29. SP Dechu Bhutia stated that the vehicle was last seen two days prior, but the rising river levels have now obscured it
Over a thousand tourists were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim as continuous rainfall triggered landslides, bridge collapses, and rising Teesta River levels, confirmed Mangan SP Dechu Bhutia. Evacuation efforts were initially delayed due to a landslide in Shipgyer on May 31. In response, local communities, especially Lachungpa hotel owners, actively supported the evacuation process
However the Indian Army reported the death of three personnel after a landslide hit its military camp at Chaten in Lachen town on Sunday evening. The victims were identified as Havaldar Lakhbindar Singh, Lance Naik Manish Thakur and porter Abhishek Lakra. While four others sustained minor injuries and were rescued, six personnel are still missing. Lieutenant General Zubin Minawalla, GOC of the Trishakti Corps, visited the site to oversee rescue operations, as teams continue their efforts in challenging weather and terrain. The Army has extended condolences and assured full support to the bereaved families
The disaster caused severe damage across major tourist routes such as Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, the Valley of Flowers, and Zero Point. With rainfall exceeding 130mm, breaches, bridge collapses, and landslides occurred along the Dikchu–Sanklang–Shipgyer Road, Chungthang–Lachen–Zeema Road and Chungthang–Lachung Road. Two key bailey bridges at Minsithang and Zeema were washed away, cutting off Lachen from both directions. Additionally, the base of the Phidang suspension bridge was eroded by the rising Teesta River, putting its structural towers at serious risk
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