How Were Nearly 800 People Evacuated from East Sikkim Following a Sudden Snowstorm?
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Synopsis
Discover how nearly 800 people were evacuated from East Sikkim after a sudden snowstorm. With a coordinated effort from local authorities, the lives of tourists and locals were safeguarded amidst treacherous weather conditions. Read on to learn about the challenges faced and the ongoing efforts for safety.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 800 individuals were stranded due to a sudden snowstorm.
- Successful evacuation was conducted by Sikkim Police and Indian Army.
- No casualties or significant injuries were reported.
- Nathula Pass is closed to tourists until further notice.
- Tourism activities in East Sikkim are currently suspended.
Gangtok, April 28 (NationPress) Nearly 800 individuals found themselves stranded between Tsomgo Lake and Thegu in East Sikkim after an unexpected snowstorm and hail. Officials reported the successful evacuation of these individuals on Monday.
The coordinated efforts between the Sikkim Police and the Indian Army facilitated the safe rescue of numerous tourists and locals caught in the sudden weather shift.
Authorities confirmed that all stranded individuals were brought to safe locations, with no reported casualties or serious injuries.
This sudden snowstorm and hail on Sunday afternoon resulted in hazardous road conditions, significantly hindering vehicle movement.
Rescue teams acted promptly, providing essential assistance and setting up temporary shelters for those impacted.
Due to the heavy snowfall, Nathula Pass has been closed to tourists, and no travel permits were issued on Monday.
Officials indicated that this decision was made with the safety of visitors in mind, given the perilous road conditions.
On the same day, several tourist vehicles near Nathula required evacuation, facilitated by the Sikkim Police and local residents, after unexpected snowfall obstructed the roads.
The authorities emphasized that such preventive actions are vital to avert any unfortunate incidents.
Meanwhile, the weather department has cautioned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, prompting warnings for tourists intending to visit East Sikkim.
The administration has suspended tourism activities in the eastern part of Sikkim for several days, with plans to reassess the situation based on weather updates.
Earlier on Friday, over 1,000 tourists were evacuated from various locations in North Sikkim due to persistent heavy rains and landslides.
Landslides occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen Chungthang road, previously affected by a glacial lake outburst flood, as well as in Lema and Bob on the Lachung Chungthang road, on the opposite side of Chungthang.
The unyielding rain has led to flood-like conditions in several parts of North Sikkim, severely affecting road connectivity and travel safety.
The authorities are diligently working to restore proper connectivity in different areas of northern Sikkim.
Point of View
My commitment lies in bringing you accurate and timely news. The recent events in East Sikkim highlight the unpredictable nature of weather and the need for robust emergency response systems. Our focus remains on informing the public while ensuring the safety of all involved. We stand with the community as they navigate these challenges.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the evacuation of nearly 800 people in East Sikkim?
A sudden snowstorm and hail led to hazardous conditions, prompting the evacuation.
Who was involved in the evacuation efforts?
The evacuation was a joint effort by the Sikkim Police and the Indian Army.
Were there any casualties reported during the evacuation?
No casualties or major injuries were reported during the evacuation process.
Is tourism currently suspended in East Sikkim?
Yes, tourism activities have been suspended for several days due to safety concerns.
What safety measures are being taken in response to the weather warnings?
Authorities have closed Nathula Pass to tourists and issued warnings for potential rainfall.
