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On Tuesday, the Sikkim administration evacuated 1,225 tourists from landslide-affected Lachung and nearby Mangan district areas. These regions experienced landslides and heavy rains last week, resulting in six fatalities. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Vishnu Lama confirmed that the remaining tourists, a few hundred, will be evacuated on Wednesday if weather conditions allow. Six helicopters are on standby at Bagdogra airport in West Bengal.
Mangan district is home to popular tourist attractions such as Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley. The administration rescued 64 tourists on Monday and safely transported them to Mangan district headquarters. "We have evacuated a total of 1,225 tourists from Lachung and surrounding regions and brought them to Mangan town by road today," Lama stated.
Vehicles provided by the Motor Vehicle Division of the Transport department took the rescued individuals from Mangan to Gangtok, the state capital. From there, they began their onward journeys to their respective destinations. The district administration is poised to remain vigilant, ready to assist the remaining tourists and tackle any challenges that may arise.
ADM Vishnu Lama added that District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri is personally overseeing the evacuation efforts. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sonam Detchu Bhutia, senior civil and police officials, along with teams from BRO, NDRF, SDRF, local panchayats, and volunteers, are coordinating the rescue operations. The tourists expressed their gratitude towards the state government, Mangan administration, various agencies, and local residents for their care and safe evacuation.
In October last year, the same district faced a devastating flash flood, resulting in nearly 50 fatalities. This incident underscores the challenges the region continues to face due to natural calamities. The ongoing rescue operations highlight the administration's preparedness and swift response to such emergencies.
With six helicopters ready at Bagdogra airport, the administration is geared up for further evacuations if the weather allows on Wednesday. The already evacuated tourists have successfully reached Gangtok from Mangan and are proceeding to their next destinations. The collaborative efforts of all involved have ensured the safety and well-being of the affected tourists.
The rescued tourists' appreciation for the efforts made by the state and local authorities reflects the efficient handling of the crisis. The coordinated response between various agencies and the local community played a crucial role in the rescue operations. The administration's proactive measures continue to safeguard the remaining tourists in the affected areas. Input- PTI.
