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.

Modi Sets Record as Longest-Serving Head of Government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created a new record, becoming the longest-serving head of government in India. His combined tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the Prime Minister now stands at 8,931 days, surpassing the previous record held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

With this milestone, Mr. Modi has solidified his position in the political history of the country. The data, compiled by government sources, confirms that he overtook Mr. Chamling’s record of 8,930 days as head of an elected government on Saturday.

Combined Tenure Sets New Benchmark

The Prime Minister’s journey to this record spans over two decades. He first took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. After serving in that capacity for over 14 years, he became the Prime Minister for the first time on May 26, 2014.

This combined tally of 8,931 days includes his four terms as Gujarat CM and his current third term as Prime Minister. Officials noted that Mr. Modi is one of the few Indian politicians to have held the top executive post in both a state and the country for such an extended period.

Surpassing Chamling and Basu

The previous record holder, Pawan Kumar Chamling, served as the Chief Minister of Sikkim from December 12, 1994, to May 26, 2019. His uninterrupted tenure of roughly 24 years and 165 days had previously broken the long-standing record of veteran Left leader Jyoti Basu, who was the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 23 years.

As per reports, Mr. Modi had already surpassed the records of several national leaders earlier in his tenure. In 2025, he crossed the total days served by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Second Longest-Serving Prime Minister

As of March 22, 2026, the Prime Minister has completed 4,318 days in office at the Centre. This places him as the second longest-serving Prime Minister in the country’s history, behind India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Nehru held the office for a continuous 6,126 days, from Independence in 1947 until his death in 1964. To break that record, Mr. Modi will need to remain in office beyond the next general elections scheduled for 2029.

Political Significance and Impact

Political analysts view this milestone as a testament to Mr. Modi’s enduring popularity and the BJP’s organisational strength. Having first joined the RSS at the age of eight and later rising through the ranks, his career is marked by a continuous streak of electoral victories, both in Gujarat and nationally.

The milestone arrives at a time when the government is focusing on its third-term agenda. According to sources, the record is likely to be a focal point for the party as it looks to consolidate support ahead of upcoming state assembly polls.

What Next for the PM?

With the current record for the longest-serving head of government secured, the focus now shifts to whether Mr. Modi can surpass Jawaharlal Nehru’s record for the longest continuous tenure as Prime Minister. To achieve that, his government would need to secure a fourth consecutive term in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

For now, the administration continues to function with an eye on the next electoral cycle. As per officials, the government is expected to double down on its infrastructure and welfare schemes to maintain the political momentum that has defined Mr. Modi’s tenure so far.