Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) holds a press conference to address the ongoing situation in Mangan District following the heavy rainfall that struck the region on May 30, 2025. The press briefing was led by Relief Commissioner, Director of SSDMA, and other key officials.
Officials informed that the continuous downpour led to a significant rise in the water level of the Teesta River, resulting in the severance of road connectivity between North Sikkim and the rest of the state. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by SSDMA in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies.
On June 1, approximately 30 NDRF personnel were airlifted to Chungthang via Chaten to carry out rescue operations. Unfortunately, the same day witnessed landslides in Chaten, which caused damage to an Army area.
Restoration and relief efforts continue with the joint involvement of the Police, Indian Army, Forest Department, NDRF, SDRF, and local agencies. On June 2, a major air rescue operation evacuated 1,807 stranded individuals from Lachung with the help of Sikkim Police , Forest Department , Mangan District Administration and others.
On June 3, another 33 tourists were rescued from North Sikkim. Additionally, 34 more NDRF personnel have been deployed in the region via two helicopters to support ongoing rescue operations. So far, between 113 to 120 tourists have been successfully evacuated from Chaten.
Authorities confirmed that if weather conditions improve by tomorrow i.e 5th June 2025 the remaining tourists in Chaten will be airlifted to Pakyong Airport.
Local stakeholders, including the Pipon of Lachung, Hotel Association, Forest Department, Police, Army, and NDRF, are actively supporting the efforts. Essential commodities have already been transported to North Sikkim, although Lachen remains cut off.
While Mangan District remains inaccessible, tourists are welcome to visit other districts of Sikkim. Damaged roads and bridges are set to be reconstructed swiftly.
The state government declared Mangan a disaster-notified district on June 2 and has already submitted detailed reports to the central government. The SSDMA concluded the press conference by appealing to the general public to remain calm and assured that all necessary measures are being taken.
