Gangtok, March 25: Around 150 to 200 tourists remain stranded in Chungthang after heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across North Sikkim, officials reported. District Collector Anant Jain confirmed that landslides have blocked stretches of the Gangtok–Lachen and Chungthang–Lachen roads, leaving travellers headed for Lachen stuck midway. Stranded tourists have been accommodated at an ITBP camp and a nearby gurdwara, where necessary arrangements for their stay have been made.
Authorities stated that movement towards Lachen remains suspended due to debris and road damage at several points. Decisions on reopening the route will depend on weather conditions and safety assessments once rainfall subsides. Meanwhile, the situation on the Lachung side has improved, with roads cleared and tourists safely escorted back to Gangtok. Intermittent rain, however, continues to hamper restoration work and increases the risk of further landslides.
Earlier this month, adverse weather had already disrupted essential services in the state. A thunderstorm accompanied by hail damaged parts of the power network across Pakyong, Gangtok, and Mangan districts. The state Power Department reported a snapped conductor on the 66 kV Rorathang–Rongli transmission line near Amba, affecting electricity supply to Rongli and Rhenock. In Gangtok district, a fault on the Marchak–Macleods line near Namli disrupted power to Nimtar, Topakhani, and Singtam. Another line between LLHP and Sichey also failed during trial charging.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with restoration efforts underway to address both road and power infrastructure challenges caused by unstable weather in the region.
