06/04/2026
1000 Tourists Stranded in Lachen as Roads Collapse, Rescue Efforts Underway
Around 1,000 tourists, including children, remain stranded in Lachen, North Sikkim, after severe damage to the road near Taramchu and heavy snowfall blocking alternative evacuation routes.
According to the Sikkim Police Communication Branch, Mangan, teams from the ITBP, Army, and District Administration are jointly working to clear snow and restore road connectivity.
Road-clearing operations began at 8:00 a.m., and once routes are accessible, stranded tourists will be escorted in a convoy by Sikkim Police. However, full-scale evacuation efforts are yet to gain momentum due to challenging conditions.
Authorities are also exploring evacuation via Dongkya La, currently seen as the only viable route. If cleared, evacuation will begin from there soon.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall and snowfall at higher altitudes in the coming days, which may further hinder rescue operations. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, with evacuation set to begin once weather and road conditions improve.
