Numerous tourists stuck in North Sikkim , rescue work getting affected due to bad weather

 

The after effects of the catastrophic Sikkim floods continues 

A lot of tourists from Gangtok, Pelling areas have descended on the plains for the past two days.  However, according to Sikkim administration sources, it was not possible to return the tourists from North Sikkim i.e. Lachen, Lachung because, rainfall and bad weather.  At least five helicopters, including an Air Force one, are on the premises.  But they could not be used even today.  The Army and the Sikkim government are reportedly looking into the matter.

 The Sikkim government said on Saturday that tourists are safe there.  All arrangements for free accommodation and food for tourists in hotels, guest houses, government buildings have been made by the government.  However, in the last few days, the problem is increasing due to the lack of effective measures to rescue them.  Because, due to the condition of the road, it is not possible to reach those parts.  Due to bad weather it was not possible to take the copter that day.  According to official information, about 1500 tourists are still detained in Lachung and Lachen areas of North Sikkim.  However, as reported by various private travel agencies, the number is close to two and a half thousand.

According to the administration and travel agencies, at least 1,570 vehicles carrying tourists have come down from Sikkim in the last few days.  Workers, students, some local people also got down in those cars.  According to all inquiries, the actual number of tourists stranded in Sikkim is much higher than what was initially thought.  All those organizations claim that around four thousand tourists are still stuck in Sikkim.

 On this day, a group of members of the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network visited various villages in Kalimpong.  They are also trying to find out the details.  Samrat Sanyal, the general secretary of the organization, said on this day, "The work of rescuing tourists has not yet been started in that way.  That is the concern.  But they are safe.  I am trying to reassure the relatives who are calling.  That is what has been informed by the Sikkim government.

 Attempts are being made to rehabilitate various parts of the Siliguri-Sikkim 'Lifeline' National Highway No. 10.  It is reported that a few people of the government rescue team have reached Chungthang today.  Minister Samdup Lepcha is also with them.  After the disaster, the road was practically wiped out, sometimes walking, sometimes with the help of a rope, they crossed the Chungthang River to reach their destination.  There a bridge is being built with tree trunks to build a communication system.

 On this day also some tourists came down to Siliguri with the help of former national team footballer Baichung Bhutia, it is known that the work will be started by the Association of Conservation to deliver aid to the devastated people from today, Sunday.  On behalf of the entrepreneurs, Raj Basu said, "Except for North Sikkim, most of the tourists have gone down.  Some tourists are waiting in Gangtok.  Their people are stuck in North Sikkim.”