Due to continuous rainfall since Thursday, a road blockage has occurred in North Sikkim, leaving over 2,000 local and foreign tourists stranded. State officials have stated that road clearance operations will commence once the rain subsides.

The road from North Sikkim district headquarters Mangan to Chungthang has been blocked at Pegong Supply Khola, disrupting vehicular traffic, the officials said.

1,975 local and 36 foreign tourists are stranded in hotels in Lachen and Lachung areas due to the flash floods. Of the 36 foreign tourists, 23 are from Bangladesh, 10 from the USA, and three from Singapore. Along with the tourists, 345 four-wheelers and 11 two-wheelers are also stranded in various regions of North Sikkim.

The roads in the Gangtok-Nathula area have faced additional blockages due to a landslide occurring at the 13th mile and Thulo Khola, Raila Khola along the JN Road.

The state government has also cancelled the tourist permits for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir Nathula, and North Sikkim till further notice owing to the flash floods.

Regrettably, the state of Sikkim has recorded its first casualty during this challenging period. A 90-year-old man lost his life after being swept away by the turbulent waters of the Rimbi river in West Sikkim.

The adverse weather conditions have created substantial difficulties for the authorities, who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of both local residents and the stranded tourists affected by the situation.