Over 200 stranded vehicles removed amid sudden snowfall in East Sikkim

NEW DELHI: Over 200 vehicles, stranded between Tsomgu and Thegu in East Sikkim, were evacuated safely following an unexpected snowfall and hailstorm.

The coordinated efforts of the Sikkim police and the Indian Army ensured that all passengers were safely rescued.

A video shared by Station House Officer (SHO) of Sherathang, Yogendra Gurung, showed the authorities' swift response in handling the situation.

As a precautionary measure, travel permits to Nathula, located along the Indo-China border, have been suspended due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a generally cloudy sky, with some rain and thundershowers in various regions of Sikkim.

In the meantime, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified its restoration efforts in north Sikkim after heavy rains triggered massive landslides. The prompt action has restored partial road connectivity, enabling the safe evacuation of over 1,000 stranded tourists.

According to an official statement, heavy rainfall (up to 130 mm on April 24) caused significant damage to roads leading to popular tourist destinations, including Lachen, Lachung, Gomra, the Valley of Flowers, and Zero Point. The deluge triggered multiple landslides, severely affecting the region’s critical road infrastructure, vital to its tourism-based economy.

Under Project Swastik, BRO teams have been working tirelessly in challenging weather conditions to restore key routes. Despite facing a 70-metre breach on the road to Lachen, efforts continue to restore the link.

On April 26, a breakthrough was achieved with the partial reopening of the road to Lachung for one-way traffic, allowing the evacuation of stranded tourists via Donkyala Pass.

With the early onset of the monsoon, BRO workers remain focused on strengthening road infrastructure and ensuring safer, more durable connectivity. Their dedicated efforts have earned widespread appreciation from local communities.

Meanwhile, a massive landslide hit Munshithang on the Lachen-Chungthang road and Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road, blocking access to these critical routes. Continuous heavy rainfall has made nighttime travel hazardous. Consequently, permits for North Sikkim have been canceled for Sunday, and all previously issued advance permits have been revoked.

Sonam Dechu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Mangan district, North Sikkim, confirmed the suspension of permits due to roadblock and weather conditions, urging both residents and tourists to avoid travel in the area due to the ongoing landslide risks.