Gangtok: With the successful evacuation of the last batch of tourists stranded in Sikkim’s Lachung since June 12 following inclement weather conditions, has been completed, official confirmed on Thursday.
“In a span of three days, altogether 1,447 tourists have been evacuated after they were stuck on the higher reaches from June 12 following rainstorms and landslides,” one of the official confirmed.
“A total 158 tourists including three critically ill patients, were safely evacuated by roads from Chungthang via Tung- Mangan before sundown,” implying the last batch of travellers were taken to safety.
“On the third and final day of evacuation of stranded tourists from Chungthang and the northern regions of Mangan, 158 tourists were rescued safely on Wednesday.’
“Under the directives of District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri, ADM Mangan Vishu Lama, SP Mangan Sonam Detchu Bhutia, BDO Mangan Kailash Thapa along with officials from all line departments as well as BRO, NDRF, SDRF, local panchayats and volunteers continued their efforts and coordination to help tourists crossover slides with safety and caution,” a media release said.
“The Tourism Department, Motor Vehicle Division, Police Department, GREF, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim (TAAS), local panchayats and volunteers,” took part in the final evacuation.
The rescued tourists expressed their gratitude to the state government, the administration, BRO, NDRF, SDRF and the locals for taking care of them and bringing them to safety.
