Terror in Sikkim: Tista River Wreaks Havoc, 1500 Tourists Stranded

In the wake of heavy rainfall causing havoc in Sikkim, the situation has become dire. With the Teesta river overflowing, several areas in North West Bengal have been inundated, leading to traffic disruptions on the Kalimpong-Darjeeling route. Meanwhile, landslides in Northern Sikkim have claimed several lives, with many others reported missing.

Authorities have reported that continuous rain on Wednesday night has worsened the situation, causing roads in areas like Tista Bazar and Gilkhola to be submerged. The rising waters have posed a threat to surrounding homes. Police have issued advisories in affected areas, urging residents to move to safer locations.

In the Mangam district of North Sikkim, continuous rainfall has led to landslides claiming the lives of at least six people and leaving over 1,500 tourists stranded. The new Bailey bridge in Sangkalang has collapsed, cutting off contact between Mangam, Dzongu, and Chungthang. Popular tourist destinations in Mangam like Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung are now isolated from the rest of the country.

Mobile services have also been affected in many areas, while authorities have dispatched teams to handle any emergency situations. The district administration has requested the deployment of the SDRF team along with ration supplies in Mangam. The construction of a new bridge in Fidang is underway to restore connectivity in the region.

Tourists have been advised to stay put until alternate road routes are established. The swelling Teesta river has engulfed the Melli Stadium, and Singtam city residents in lower areas are at risk. Last year, nearly 50 people lost their lives in sudden floods in the Himalayan state in October.

As the situation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the natural calamities and provide relief to those affected. Stay tuned for more updates on the developing situation.

(Based on information from the article)