Tourists Stranded in Lachen, Lachung Amid Landslides and Rains

Sujal Pradhan | EOI  | Gangtok | April 25, 2025 : Several tourists remained stranded in the North Sikkim towns of Lachen and Lachung on Friday, as continuous rainfall triggered massive landslides, blocking key routes. Authorities are working round the clock to restore access.

District Collector of Mangan, Anant Jain, said efforts by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) are ongoing, and road clearance toward Lachung is expected by evening. “We’ve received information that the road will likely be cleared soon,” Jain added.

Landslides were reported at Munshithang on the Lachen–Chungthang route and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung–Chungthang road. Rising water levels on Thursday further worsened the situation, leaving nearly 1,000 tourists in about 200 vehicles stranded across multiple locations.

Authorities, supported by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local residents, arranged emergency shelters at places like Yudhwara, ITBP camps, and nearby localities. “All those who were stuck at Chungthang have been safely evacuated,” Jain confirmed.

With the Mangan–Gangtok road via Sanklang bridge now open, some tourists have already begun their return. However, those still in Lachen and Lachung have been advised to stay in their hotels until conditions improve.

“We’ve instructed the local police and SDMs to ensure the safety and security of the tourists,” Jain said, adding that once the roads are fully cleared, an orderly evacuation will follow.