Evacuation of stranded tourists from Sikkim expected to start Sunday.
The district administration has disbursed an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. This financial assistance aims to support the families who have lost loved ones during this tragic event.
Gangtok: Efforts Underway to Evacuate Over 1,200 Tourists Stranded in Sikkim
More than 1,200 tourists find themselves stranded in Sikkim’s Mangan district, primarily in Lachung town, as severe disruptions to the road and communication networks have hindered their movement. The state government has announced plans for a potential evacuation on Sunday, contingent upon favorable weather conditions, according to an official statement released on Saturday.
Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, will oversee the evacuation operations, which are set to commence with airlifts and road transport from Lachung. This initiative aims to rescue both domestic and international tourists who have been stranded for approximately one week due to relentless rainfall that triggered landslides and extensively damaged infrastructure in Mangan district.
As per CS Rao, Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the current count of stranded tourists includes 1,215 individuals, among whom are 15 foreigners. The situation escalated drastically following continuous rainfall, exacerbating existing challenges in road accessibility and communication connectivity across the affected regions.
The aftermath of the natural calamity has been dire, resulting in the loss of six lives due to landslides and heavy rainfall in the Himalayan state. The impact has been profound, causing significant damage to properties, disrupting essential services such as power supply, food distribution, and mobile network connectivity in multiple areas.
Several key routes critical for transportation have been severely affected by landslides, including Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong, Mangan-Sanklang, Singtham-Rangrang, and Rangrang-Toong. Furthermore, the collapse of the vital Sanklang suspension bridge has compounded the challenges, completely cutting off connectivity to North Sikkim.
Challenges and Relief Efforts
The district administration has faced daunting challenges in responding to the crisis, exacerbated by the geographical terrain and adverse weather conditions. Immediate efforts to restore communication lines and clear debris from blocked roads are underway, albeit progress has been hampered by ongoing rainfall and subsequent landslides.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, the district administration has initiated relief measures, including the disbursement of ex-gratia payments amounting to Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. This financial support is intended to aid those affected by the tragic loss of their loved ones during this calamitous period.
Government Response and Coordination
The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay, has activated emergency response protocols to coordinate relief and rescue operations effectively. The deployment of rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities, underscores the gravity of the situation and the concerted efforts to mitigate its impact.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been actively monitoring the situation, collaborating with state agencies to ensure timely assistance and support for affected residents and stranded tourists alike. Coordination between various government departments, including tourism, civil aviation, and disaster management, remains pivotal in executing swift and effective relief measures.
Humanitarian Concerns and Public Safety
The safety and well-being of the stranded tourists and residents remain paramount amid the ongoing crisis. Authorities have been providing essential supplies, including food, water, and medical assistance, to those affected by the disruption in normal life. Efforts are also focused on restoring power supply and communication networks to facilitate communication and aid delivery.
Future Preparedness and Recovery
Looking ahead, the state government and relevant authorities are emphasizing the need for enhanced preparedness and resilience-building measures against natural disasters. This includes improving infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and community-based disaster preparedness initiatives to minimize the impact of such calamities in the future.
As the evacuation plans unfold and relief efforts intensify, the government’s focus remains on ensuring the swift and safe evacuation of stranded tourists while simultaneously addressing the immediate needs of affected communities. The collective response from all stakeholders underscores the spirit of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting Sikkim’s commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Following the recent downpour, the district administration, assisted by the district police, civil officials, and the public, is actively assessing the damage to properties in affected areas. Ministers Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, Samdup Lepcha, and Tshering Thendup Bhutia have inspected the affected regions to assess the situation firsthand.
In response to the crisis, the district administration has disbursed an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of deceased persons, offering financial support during this difficult time. Adequate rations have been stockpiled in the district, ensuring essential supplies for residents.
Efforts to restore normalcy include the successful restoration of power, telecommunications, and water supply in most parts of the region. Additionally, the implementation of intra-circle roaming (ICR) between operators aims to enhance communication convenience for the general public, facilitating connectivity amid recovery efforts. These coordinated actions reflect ongoing efforts to address immediate needs and facilitate recovery in the aftermath of the natural disaster.