Landslide cuts off Lachen in Sikkim, hundreds of tourists stranded

A landslide in north Sikkim has cut off road connectivity to Lachen, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded and prompting authorities to initiate rescue and restoration operations.

The disruption occurred after a key stretch of the Chungthang–Lachen road near the Tarum Chu bridge collapsed due to a landslide, effectively isolating the high-altitude town.

Officials said the damaged road is a critical route connecting Lachen to the rest of the state, and its closure has halted movement in the region. Authorities have suspended travel along the stretch and advised tourists to remain in their accommodations until further instructions.

Estimates suggest that around 800 to 1,000 tourists, many from West Bengal, are currently stranded in Lachen following the incident.

The district administration has said that all stranded tourists are safe and are being accommodated in local hotels and homestays. Adequate arrangements for food, medicines and essential supplies have been made to support those affected.

Authorities have also issued advisories urging people to avoid venturing out, especially at night, citing unstable terrain and the risk of further landslides amid adverse weather conditions.

Rescue and evacuation operations are being planned and will be carried out in phases depending on weather conditions and road accessibility. Officials said evacuation is likely to be conducted via the Lachen–Dongkya La–Lachung–Gangtok route once conditions improve.

Multiple agencies have been deployed for the operation, including the district administration, local police, the Indian Army, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). These teams are working to clear debris and restore connectivity on a priority basis.

Officials indicated that road repair and snow clearance work is being carried out on a war footing, though intermittent rainfall and difficult terrain are slowing progress.

Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily suspended permits for travel to Lachen and nearby tourist destinations such as Gurudongmar Lake. Tourists planning trips to north Sikkim have been advised to postpone or reroute their travel plans.

While Lachen remains cut off, other tourist circuits such as Lachung and Yumthang Valley are reported to be operational, providing partial relief to the tourism sector.

Emergency helplines have been issued by the administration to assist stranded tourists and their families, and officials have urged people to remain calm and follow official instructions.

The situation remains dependent on weather conditions, with authorities closely monitoring developments before initiating large-scale evacuation.