60 visitor vehicles have been stranded in North Sikkim after ferocious rains in view of a cloudburst were seen in parts of Sikkim yesterday.
Due to these rains, vehicles remained stuck between the areas of Lachen and Zema 3. Efforts are in progress to send the stuck tourists first to Lachen and after that to Gangtok conceivably by Tuesday if the weather permits.
Monsoon 2019 has marked its onset over several parts of Sikkim after a delay of more than a week. During Monsoon, heavy rains are seen in parts of Sikkim with other weather incidences making way.
CM PS Golay has directed to clear the street as quickly as time permits for the entry of the vehicles which will take visitors to their particular destinations.
Golay additionally asked authorities to extend all assistance to people who have been suffering due to the mishap.
The North Sikkim area authority said that it will stop issuing travel permit for Dzongu, Lachen and Lachung because of the severe weather conditions.
Visitors need to cross Lachen to visit Chopta Valley and the Gurudongmar Lake while Lachung is a town while in transit to Yumthang valley in North Sikkim.
Heavy rains due to the cloudburst earlier had been seen in the upper regions of Teesta River and the Teesta III hydropower project authorities have discharged 600 cusecs of water from the Chungathang dam.
The general population of Lachen and Chungthang have been cautioned about the circumstance. A substantial inflow of muddy water was accounted for to come towards Dickchu Teesta V dam from 2.30 pm onwards because of the rain.
Inhabitants of Singtam and Rangpo have been alarmed about the unexpected spate in Teesta River through its downstream which streams downwards through East Sikkim.
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