Tragic Landslides in Sikkim’s Mangan District Claim Six Lives, Strand 1,500 Tourists
Massive landslides triggered by relentless rainfall in northern Sikkim’s Mangan district have resulted in a devastating toll, with six fatalities reported and approximately 1,500 tourists left stranded, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The calamity led to the collapse of a newly-built bailey bridge at Sangkalang, severing crucial road links between Mangan and the regions of Dzongu and Chungthang. Multiple roads are blocked, homes have been inundated or damaged, and electricity poles swept away, exacerbating the crisis.
Popular tourist destinations like Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, renowned for attractions such as Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley, are now isolated from the rest of the country.
Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri provided details of the fatalities, stating, “Three individuals lost their lives each in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages.” He also noted extensive property damage in Geythang and Nampathang, with a relief camp set up in Pakshep to aid displaced residents.
In response, the district magistrate convened an emergency meeting with officials to assess the damage and coordinate rescue and relief efforts. With mobile network services disrupted, authorities have requested the deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to deliver essential supplies to Mangan.
The collapse of the Sangkalang bridge, reconstructed after the Teesta river flood last October, has once again severed critical transportation links. Stranded tourists have been advised to remain in place until alternate routes are established.
Efforts are underway to expedite the construction of a bridge at Phidang to restore connectivity in the affected areas. The Mangan district administration is collaborating closely with multiple agencies to accelerate this process and alleviate the plight of those impacted by the disaster.
