Sikkim landslide traps 1,500 tourists; 15 dead in UP lightning strikes

Massive landslides hit Mangan district as heavy rains lash North India; IMD issues thunderstorm alerts for 16 states.

Mangan/Lucknow/Bhopal: In a significant weather-related escalation, nearly 1,500 tourists have been stranded in North Sikkim’s Mangan district following massive landslides triggered by a cloudburst-like situation. Simultaneously, a deadly spell of lightning and thunderstorms across Uttar Pradesh has claimed 15 lives over the last 72 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-priority alert for 16 states, citing an active Western Disturbance that is sweeping across the northern and northeastern belts. The situation remains critical in high-altitude zones where road connectivity has been completely severed.

Tourists stranded in Mangan

Heavy rainfall on Sunday triggered multiple landslides along the Lachen-Chungthang road, effectively cutting off the region. According to officials, around 1,500 tourists are currently stuck at various points in North Sikkim.

The Mangan district administration has initiated emergency rescue protocols. Stranded visitors are being accommodated in local hotels and government facilities. Sources indicated that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to clear the debris, though intermittent rain continues to hamper progress.

Fatal lightning in UP

The plains of Uttar Pradesh are reeling under a violent spell of pre-monsoon activity. Reports confirm 15 fatalities across the state within three days due to lightning strikes and storm-related accidents.

Districts including Gonda, Sultanpur, Kanpur, and Varanasi witnessed high-velocity winds reaching 50 kmph. In Kanpur and Mathura, hailstorms caused significant damage to standing crops, adding to the distress of the local farming community.

Snowfall hits hill states

While the plains battle rain, the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are experiencing unseasonal snowfall. Yamunotri Dham and higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti recorded significant accumulation on Sunday.

Gondla reported 28.5 cm of fresh snow, while Keylong recorded 20 cm. The sudden drop in temperature and accompanying hailstorms have sparked concerns regarding apple orchards in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi.

Rescue operations intensified

Sikkim authorities have mobilized the Indian Army and NDRF teams to assist the civil administration in Mangan. "Our primary focus is the safety of the tourists and restoration of the North Sikkim Highway," a senior official stated.

In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased. Local administrations have been put on high alert to handle potential flooding in low-lying areas.

Severe weather alerts

The IMD has extended its thunderstorm warning to 16 states, including Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, and Haryana. A new weather system is expected to become active in Rajasthan today, potentially bringing heavy showers to 13 districts.

Meteorologists suggest that the interaction between the Western Disturbance and easterly winds is creating volatile atmospheric conditions. This has led to the current "Public Interest Story" regarding safety precautions during lightning.

Impact on agriculture

The agriculture sector faces a grim outlook as hailstorms continue to lash North India. Wheat and mustard crops in Rajasthan and Haryana, and fruit plantations in Himachal, are reportedly the worst hit.

Economists suggest that these recurring weather disruptions could impact local market supplies and pricing in the coming weeks. Farmers have been advised to use hail nets where possible to protect vulnerable produce.

Future weather outlook

The "Latest News Today" from the weather office suggests that the current spell will persist for at least another 48 hours. Rainfall is expected to move toward the eastern states by Tuesday.

Tourists planning visits to hilly regions are advised to defer their travel until the "India News Update" confirms the stabilization of road conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the Teesta river levels as "Government Updates" remain frequent.