Six dead, 1,500 tourists stranded due to Sikkim landslides

Massive landslides triggered by flash floods killed six people while 1,500-odd tourists were left stranded in northern Sikkim's Mangan district, officials said. 

A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed snapping the link between Mangan with Dzongu and Chungthang.

Landslides blocked stretches of roads and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away, the officials added further. 

The collapsed bailey bridge at Sangkalang was constructed after the massive social flood in the Teesta river in October last year. 

Popular tourist spots in the northeastern states such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung in Mangan district have now been cut off from the rest of the country. 

A relief camp has been set up at Pakshep for the displaced people, Chettri said. 

The district magistrate also held a meeting with other officials to take stock of the situation following the incessant rainfall in and around Mangan District since Wednesday night and instructed them to carry out rescue and relief works.