Gangtok, June 2 (UNI) Even as the evacuation of nearly 1,500 stranded tourists began on Monday amid improving weather conditions in the northern district, a fresh landslide buried three people alive after their homes were washed away by severe landslides in North Sikkim’s Chatten area on Sunday evening, official sources said.
" A landslide took place on Sunday at around 1900 hours at Chatten - North Sikkim, which damaged nearby habitat. 3 bodies have been recovered, which include some combatants. More are suspected to be missing. The process for identifying the deceased and search operation is in progress," a radio message from remote North Sikkim said this morning.
After being stranded for several days due to relentless rainfall and landslides, tourists in Lachung, North Sikkim, are being evacuated this morning.
A message said the stranded travellers have expressed immense relief and gratitude to the evacuators.
"The heavy rains had triggered multiple landslides and blocked the key roads to exit," the sources added.
The tourists who were stranded in Lachung have been asked to get ready early to head back to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim in the East District. Lachen and Lachung, the last villages in North Sikkim, are located about 110 kilometers from Gangtok.
The tourists have been stranded since Thursday following huge rains and landslides.
A tourist car carrying altogether 10 travellers skidded off the road and plunged into the swelling Teesta near Chungthang on Thursday evening. Two were wounded, one body was recovered, and the remaining eight have been missing.
The tourists were from Odisha (4) and two each from UP and Tripura. All the missing persons have been identified, and the search operation resumed today.
" We advise all tourists to exercise caution while travelling and to plan their trips based on the latest road and weather updates from official sources," a government communique warned on Monday.
"Furthermore, the search and rescue operation for the 8 missing tourists involved in the tragic vehicle accident is still ongoing.
"The operation is being carried out under the close supervision of the district police, the administration, ITBP, Army, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, BRO, NDRF, GREF, Fire and Medical Teams, TAAS and other Tourism Stakeholders, IHCAE Chemchey, Driver Association along with the support of local volunteers and others," the radio message said.
"The two tourists who were rescued and had been receiving medical treatment at STNM Hospital, Gangtok, are now in stable condition and recovering well," an official said.
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