Sun Jun 01 02:07:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Heavy Rains, Landslides Leave Tourists Stranded, Several Missing in Sikkim**

**Gangtok, June 1, 2025** – Rescue operations are underway in the Mangan district of North Sikkim after a vehicle carrying 11 tourists plunged into the Teesta River on Thursday night, leaving one dead and eight missing. The accident occurred near Munsithang, along the Lachen-Lachung highway, with the vehicle falling over 1,000 feet.

Incessant rains and resulting landslides have hampered search efforts, forcing their suspension due to rising water levels in the Teesta. Mangan’s District Collector Anant Jain is overseeing the rescue efforts at the site.

Authorities have confirmed that nearly 1,500 tourists are currently stranded in various parts of North Sikkim. Mangan SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia stated that 115 tourists are stuck in Lachen and 1,350 in Lachung. Landslides have blocked road access, and tourists have been advised to remain in their hotels until roads are cleared.

The Lachung road was restored yesterday evening, however, authorities have suspended the issuance of tourist permits for North Sikkim due to the dangerous conditions.

Of the 11 people in the vehicle, two survivors from Odisha, Swayam Supratim Nayak and Sairaj Jena, are receiving treatment in Gangtok. Search teams have recovered identification cards and mobile phones from the riverbanks. The missing include four tourists from Odisha (Ajit Kumar Nayak, Sunita Nayak, Sahil Jena, and Itshiri Jena), two from Tripura (Debjyoti Joy Dev and Swapnanil Deb), two from Uttar Pradesh (Kaushalendra Pratap Singh and Ankita Singh), and the driver, Passang Denu Sherpa from Singhik, North Sikkim.

Authorities are working to restore drinking water supply, which was disrupted along with power, by Sunday. Mobile connectivity was also restored. Further search efforts will resume as soon as weather conditions permit.

Read More