Sikkim airlifts stranded tourists after landslide, keeps rest of state open to visitors

A major rescue operation is underway in North Sikkim after nearly 1,500 tourists were stranded in the remote areas of Lachen and Lachung following the collapse of the Phidang bridge, a critical link for the region. The situation escalated further due to a landslide near Chhaten, cutting off all road access and making ground evacuation impossible.

 

Authorities confirmed that all tourists in Lachung have already been safely evacuated. However, challenging weather delayed air rescue efforts in Lachen, where evacuations are now being carried out in phases.

 

Military helicopters began sorties from the Chhaten helipad on Tuesday, successfully transporting hundreds of stranded individuals to the Greenfield Airport in Pakyong. The remaining tourists are expected to be airlifted by the end of Thursday.

 

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stated that while the Lachen and Lachung sectors are currently closed to visitors, the rest of Sikkim remains open and safe for tourism. “Sikkim continues to welcome tourists. All six districts, not just Mangan, have beautiful destinations open for travel,” he said, countering speculation about widespread disruption.

 

Tamang also addressed misinformation regarding bridge damage across the state. Contrary to earlier reports linking the damage to the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), he clarified that the affected bridges were actually compromised during this year’s monsoon due to unusually intense rainfall.

 

He assured that reconstruction and reinforcement of vulnerable infrastructure are a top priority, with support from the central government.

 

Despite the current crisis in parts of North Sikkim, state officials reiterated that tourism continues safely in the rest of the region and encouraged travellers not to cancel their plans.