Red alert issued in Mangan district as landslides and rising water levels hamper rescue efforts
Mangan, Sikkim – June 2, 2025: The Teesta River in Sikkim has risen alarmingly following continuous rainfall in the region, significantly impacting ongoing rescue operations to locate nine missing tourists. The tourists went missing on May 29 when their vehicle plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta River near Chubombu in Mangan district.
Despite sustained efforts from multiple agencies, including the ITBP, SDRF, and NDRF, the search remains suspended as weather conditions worsen and the vehicle remains stuck in debris under water.
Red Alert Issued in Mangan District
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Mangan district, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the day. The swelling Teesta River has already risen by over 4 meters, with nearby roads and riverbanks becoming increasingly unsafe.
In addition, an orange alert has been issued for the next 24 hours across other Sikkim districts, including Gyalshing, Namchi, Soreng, Gangtok, and Pakyong. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid travel, stay indoors, and stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas.
Details of the Incident
According to Sonam Detchu Bhutia, Superintendent of Police for Mangan district, the tourist vehicle carrying 11 individuals, including a driver from Sikkim, veered off the road and fell into the Teesta River on May 29.
“Two people were rescued the same night. The remaining nine, including six tourists from Odisha, two from Tripura, and one from Uttar Pradesh, are still missing,” SP Bhutia said.
Efforts to retrieve the vehicle have been unsuccessful as it is reportedly stuck under heavy debris in the fast-moving river. No bodies have been found in the vicinity of the submerged vehicle.
Rescue Operations Hampered by Weather and Terrain
Anand Gurung, a volunteer from the Tourism Department, said that ongoing landslides and road blockages are making rescue operations extremely difficult.
“Roads are completely blocked for the next 7-8 kilometers. Our team was on backup duty but couldn’t reach the site. No vehicles can pass through currently,” he said.
Officials on the ground have confirmed that multiple stretches of roads are damaged and inaccessible. Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM), and SDPOs have been deployed to manage the crisis and coordinate continuous search operations as weather permits.
Widespread Damage Across North Sikkim
Heavy rain has also triggered landslides in North Sikkim, particularly in Theeng and Chungthang, damaging several properties and cutting off access to critical routes. Emergency response teams are working to clear roads and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
The district administration has confirmed structural damage and warned of further landslide threats due to unstable slopes and continuous rain.
Authorities Advise Caution
With rain expected to continue, the IMD has advised all citizens to exercise extreme caution. People living near riverbanks and hillsides are urged to move to safer areas and avoid venturing outside unless absolutely necessary.
Authorities have also set up emergency control rooms and are monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Tourists currently in Sikkim are advised to remain in safe zones and follow updates from local administrations.
Conclusion
The tragic incident near Chubombu has highlighted the vulnerability of Sikkim’s terrain during the monsoon season. With nine individuals still missing and the Teesta River’s level continuing to rise, rescue teams face enormous challenges ahead. As the red alert remains in effect, all focus remains on stabilizing the area and resuming search efforts when conditions allow.
