New Delhi: A massive landslide in Sikkim has resulted into the deaths of at least six people while around 1,500 tourists are stranded. Five people are also missing since the incident took place on Thursday in northern Sikkim’s Mangan district, reported The Indian Express.
The destruction from the landslide, which occurred owing to incessant rainfall, left several houses inundated and damaged, and electricity poles were swept away. The Teesta river in the region overflowed, which resulted in the Melli stadium being inundated.
After the damage from the landslide, the National Highway 10 is now blocked, thus completely isolating north Sikkim.
A bailey bridge that was constructed recently at Sangkalang collapsed during the landslide, severing the link between Mangan with Dzongu and Chungthang.
The towns of Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung in Mangan district which has popular tourist spots such as Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley have now been cut off from the rest of the country, reported The Indian Express.
Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri said that three persons each have died in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has ordered the administration of the North district along with the police and officials from various departments to ensure a prompt response to the devastation.
“Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs. The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides,” Tamang said from Arunachal Pradesh, reported The Indian Express.
