June 13th 2024.
Gangtok: The serene and picturesque town of Gangtok has recently been struck by a devastating calamity. The tranquil atmosphere was shattered as incessant rainfall triggered massive landslides in the Mangan district of northern Sikkim. The tragedy has claimed the lives of at least six people and left around 1,500 tourists stranded. The district officials have revealed the grim details of this unfortunate incident on Thursday.
The newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang, an important link between Mangan and Dzongu and Chungthang, collapsed under the immense force of the landslides. The roads have been blocked by debris and several houses have been damaged or submerged in water. The destruction has not spared the electricity poles either, as they were swept away by the force of nature. The aftermath of the landslides has cut off towns like Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, which are famous for their scenic beauty and popular tourist spots such as Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley, from the rest of the country.
The Mangan District Magistrate, Hem Kumar Chettri, has confirmed the tragic deaths of three individuals in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages each. The villages of Geythang and Nampathang have also been affected, with several houses sustaining damage. In order to provide relief to the displaced people, a relief camp has been set up at Pakshep, as instructed by the district magistrate.
The district administration has been working tirelessly to assess the situation and carry out rescue and relief operations. The incessant rainfall since Wednesday night has caused severe damage, and the district magistrate has held a meeting with other officials to coordinate their efforts. The mobile network services in North Sikkim have been disrupted, and the district administration has requested an SDRF team to provide ration to the affected areas.
The collapse of the bailey bridge at Sangkalang, which was constructed after the devastating floods in the Teesta river last year, has added to the woes of the stranded tourists. The authorities have advised them to stay put until alternative road connectivity can be established. The district administration has also started working with various agencies to construct a bridge at Phidang to restore connectivity in the region.
Sikkim's Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, who is currently attending a function in Arunachal Pradesh, has expressed his concern and instructed the administration, police, and other officials to expedite rescue and relief operations. In a statement, he assured the victims and their families of all possible support, including recovery assistance, temporary shelter, and basic necessities. He also mentioned that he will be returning to the state soon to personally oversee the relief efforts.
Meanwhile, the rising water levels in the Teesta river have raised concerns for the residents of low-lying areas like Singtam. In Namchi district, the surging water has inundated the Melli stadium. This unfortunate incident has brought back memories of the flash flood that struck the state last year, claiming the lives of nearly 50 people.
The people of Sikkim are now coming together to support each other in this time of crisis. The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Tamang, has pledged to stand by the victims and provide them with all the necessary assistance. As the rescue and relief operations continue, the residents of Sikkim are bracing themselves for the challenges ahead.
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