500 tourists stranded in Sikkim due to landslides
By IANSTuesday, June 1, 2010
GANGTOK - Over 500 tourists were stranded in the periphery of Gangtok since Monday night following multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Sikkim.
Sikkim Deputy Inspector General of Police S. Rao said the landslides occurred in the Sikkim East district around this capital town and famous tourist resort.
“Over 500 stranded tourists had to spend the night under open skies. More than 100 vehicles were also stranded as the North Sikkim Highway was blocked,” Rao said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel began clearing the highway and other roads in the morning and rescued the trapped tourists, who were then brought here.
The vehicles were then removed to Gangtok, Rao said.
The East Sikkim district has experienced 100 mm rain since Sunday.
