Over 1,500 Tourists Stranded in Sikkim, Flood Situation Worsens in Assam, North-East
Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, June 1: Nearly 1,500 domestic tourists and a few foreigners remained stranded in picturesque but perilous valleys of Lachen and Lachung in Mangan district as monsoon tightened its grip on North Sikkim while the flood situation in Assam was grim on Sunday as 10 major rivers were flowing above the danger level and 78,000 people were affected by the deluge in more than 15 districts.
The situation, triggered by continuous rainfall, landslides, and rising water in the river Teesta, has brought both travel and rescue efforts to a standstill in Sikkim. Evacuation was scheduled for Sunday, but fresh landslides have come in the way.
Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and several other states in the North-East also continued to be battered by heavy rains disrupting the normal life. Eight tourists who went missing on May 29 after their vehicle plunged into the Teesta River at Munshithang in Sikkim are yet to be traced.
In Dzongu, the Phidang Bailey bridge — newly built after the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in 2023 — has suffered structural damage in its base due to the surging waters. The bridge, which acts as a lifeline connecting the isolated Dzongu constituency, is now only passable on foot.
Local authorities and the GREF (General Reserve Engineer Force) managed to restore partial access for emergency services on Sunday, but the damage is extensive. “A fresh landslide in Shipgyer, Upper Dzongu, on Friday night blocked the route, forcing a delay… With roads cut off and communication lines fragile, the region remains in a precarious,” said Sonam Detchu Bhutia, a senior police officer of Mangan.
“The condition of roads in North Sikkim is pathetic. Around 700 to 800 tourists may still be stranded in the higher reaches. The Phidang bridge was our only hope, and even that’s now under threat,” said Sonam Kipa Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Upadhakshya of Mangan District.
In the North-Eastern states, the death toll in rain-induced landslides, floods, flash floods, and lightning across the region reached 30 since the night of May 29. According to data provided by officials in the affected States, 22 people lost their lives on Saturday. Eight of then were from Assam, seven from Arunachal Pradesh, four from Mizoram, and three from Meghalaya.
The Assam government on Sunday announced ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each to families of the five persons killed in landslides in Guwahati in the last few days. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA) minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, announcing the financial aid, said there have been “logistical challenges” in tackling the waterlogging problem of Guwahati city and corrective steps were being taken.
The Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday advised people living in riverside and low-lying areas to remain alert in view of incessant rain in the state and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. In a post on X, Mr Sarma issued the flood alert and said heavy rainfall has been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kibitoo (17 cm), Hayuliang (15 cm) and Kalaktang (10 cm), which may lead to a sharp rise in river levels downstream.
“Assam is already witnessing intense rain in Silchar (42 cm), Karimganj (35 cm), Hailakandi (30 cm) and in nearby areas. People in low-lying and riverbank areas are advised to stay alert and follow local advisories. Stay safe, stay prepared,” he added.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Radheshyam Sharma on Sunday said a new western disturbance would be active over Rajasthan from June 2 to June 4. He said there were chances of light to moderate rain, along with moderate thunderstorms, at isolated places in Kota, Udaipur, and Bharatpur divisions on Sunday.
“After the next 24 hours, a new western disturbance will be active again over Rajasthan. Its effect will be seen in many parts of the state from June 2 to June 4. Today, light to moderate rain may occur at isolated places in Kota, Udaipur, and Bharatpur divisions, accompanied by moderate thunderstorms,” Sharma said.
