The first batch of tourists who had been stuck in the flood-ravaged Mangan district of north Sikkim for four days was rescued on Sunday evening.
Sources said the construction of a bamboo bridge connecting Chungthang with Pegong had facilitated the rescue of tourists, many of whom are from Bengal.
“We managed to rescue two groups of tourists from Thailand and Haryana this evening after a bamboo bridge was constructed with the help of local people,” said a source.
The group from Thailand consisted of four adults and a minor. The other group had eight tourists from Haryana.
“Today (Sunday), the priority was given to those groups that had leaders and those who are relatively young and fit,” said a source.
The tourists might have to trek for short distances on their way to Gangtok. While north Sikkim is picturesque, the terrain is the most difficult in the state.
Around 500 tourists are still stuck in Mangan district.
Chungthang, which is situated about 90km from state capital Gangtok, had been devastated by the outburst of the South Lhonak lake in Mangan district on the intervening night of October 3 and 4.
Almost 80 per cent of Chungthang, which is the midpoint for two popular tourist places, Lachen and Lachung, has been ravaged. Sikkim’s largest dam, the 1200 Mw Sikkim Urja Teesta 3 dam, was washed away within 10 minutes in Chungthang.
“We were looking to airlift the tourists but so far, the weather has not been favourable for the choppers to land,” said a source.
The administration of Mangan district is looking at giving priority to aged tourists when they start airlifting them. Sources said more than 500 tourists had been stuck in north Sikkim.
“Every tourist in Lachung (which is 21km away from Chungthang) is safe and sound. Teams are also on their way to Lachen,” said a source.
Lachen, which is 30km from Chungthang, lies in the opposite direction to Lachung.
The sources said the army was also building another bridge in the area which would further facilitate the rescue of tourists from north Sikkim.
