The Indian Army has rescued 300 more tourists stranded in Sikkim due to landslides and roadblocks that occurred following heavy rainfall in the northeastern state, media reports stated on Monday, citing an official statement.
Troops from the Striking Lion Division of the Trishakti Corps helped tourists stranded at Chungthang in North Sikkim district cross over a temporary bridge to further move towards the state capital city Gangtok, the reports said.
Later, the Army also provided them with food, a place to rest, and medical facilities.
Earlier on Saturday, the troops along with the Sikkim state government rescued 3,500 tourists trapped in the North Sikkim district.
After the tourists were rescued, North Sikkim District Collector (DC) Hem Kumar Chettri told media that no fresh permits will be issued to tourists in view of bad weather conditions.
“Restoration of roads is underway between Mangan-Chungthang. Our immediate priority is to restore roads damaged due to landslides and heavy rains and once the road connectivity is restored then we will allow the tourists to come,” he added.
The incessant rains had washed away a bridge near Chungthan Valley last week after which several tourists were stuck for hours.
By Saturday, more than 2,000 tourists were rescued by the troops of Trishakti Corps and the personnel of the BRO after they constructed a temporary bridge over the sea by working overnight amid heavy rains.