Is Heavy Rainfall in Sikkim Impacting Rescue Efforts?
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Synopsis
Sikkim is currently facing challenges due to relentless rainfall, which has caused a surge in the Teesta River's water level. The search for nine missing individuals from a tragic accident has been suspended. This article delves into the ongoing rescue operations and the impact of severe weather on the region.
Key Takeaways
- Continuous rainfall has led to a surge in the Teesta River's water level.
- The search for nine missing persons has been suspended due to adverse conditions.
- Rescue operations involve various agencies but are hindered by weather.
- Heavy rainfall has caused landslides affecting infrastructure.
- Thousands of tourists are stranded, awaiting evacuation.
Gangtok, June 1 (NationPress) Sikkim has been grappling with continuous rainfall on Sunday, which has led to a significant rise in the water level of the Teesta River. The search for nine individuals who went missing after a tragic incident earlier this week has been temporarily halted.
A tourist vehicle carrying 11 people lost control and fell nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta near Chubombu in the Mangan district on Friday. While two individuals were rescued that night, the other nine, including the driver, are still unaccounted for.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sonam Detchu Bhutia confirmed on Saturday that rescue operations have entered their second day, involving teams from the ITBP, SDRF, and NDRF. "The vehicle is trapped in debris and cannot be retrieved. No bodies have been discovered nearby," SP Bhutia informed the media, emphasizing that challenging weather conditions have hindered the rescue efforts.
Heavy rain throughout the night, combined with reports of a cloudburst in upper areas, has exacerbated the situation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mangan district, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall. An orange alert is also in effect for Gyalshing, Namchi, Soreng, Gangtok, and Pakyong over the next 24 hours.
Landslides caused by incessant rainfall have damaged numerous properties in the Theeng and Chungthang regions of North Sikkim, according to district officials.
Mangan Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia reported that 115 tourists are currently stranded in Lachen and around 1,350 in Lachung. "Access has been blocked on both sides due to multiple landslides, and tourists have been advised to remain in their hotels. Evacuations will commence once the roads are fully cleared," Bhutia stated.
Heavy rainfall persisted throughout the day, especially impacting the Chungthang sub-division. Power outages that began on Friday afternoon were restored by Saturday evening. Mobile service, which was disrupted for nearly 24 hours, was reinstated around 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Authorities are also making efforts to restore the drinking water supply by Sunday. Officials indicated that a cloudburst in the area contributed to the rise in the Teesta River’s water level, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Point of View
I emphasize the critical situation in Sikkim, where heavy rainfall and rescue challenges converge. The safety of the missing individuals and the affected tourists is paramount. We stand with the local authorities and community in navigating this crisis, prioritizing transparency and accurate reporting.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the suspension of the search for the missing persons?
The search efforts were suspended due to adverse weather conditions and the Teesta River's rising water levels, making rescue operations unsafe.
How many tourists are stranded in Sikkim?
Currently, 115 tourists are stranded in Lachen and about 1,350 in Lachung due to blocked access from multiple landslides.
What alerts have been issued by the IMD for Sikkim?
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mangan district and an orange alert for surrounding areas, predicting heavy rainfall.
