Landslides in the Himalayan region claim 10 lives and leave 2,400 tourists marooned in northeastern India.
In India's Sikkim state, six individuals have lost their lives while another four people perished in Nepal's Koshi province due to a landslide. Local authorities shared this information with CNN.
District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri stated, "It's been raining non-stop for the past 36 hours. We've recovered the dead bodies, and they've been handed over to their families." This torrential downpour has wreaked havoc, damaging 45 houses, roads, bridges, and infrastructure.
Sikkim, renowned for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, boasts 28 mountains, 21 glaciers, and over 200 lakes. However, like any mountainous area, it is susceptible to life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
In the previous year, several people lost their lives after a glacial lake in the state burst due to heavy rainfall. Scientists have issued warnings that extreme weather will become more common and severe as the climate crisis worsens.
Currently, around 2,400 tourists are trapped in various tourist locations in the state as landslides have blocked roads and heavy rainfall has caused damage to certain bridges.
"They're stranded but safe. We've talked to hotel owners to accommodate them until the weather improves. No one is on the road. We've advised tourists to remain where they are," said Chettri.
Emergency response teams from the state have been dispatched to work on road clearance. Chettri added, "The destruction is severe, so it will take some time, but we aim to restore connectivity within a week."
India's Meteorological Department foresees "occasional intense spells of rainfall" during Friday in Sikkim. Flooding has affected neighboring West Bengal state, causing uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and high water levels in the Teesta River.
Meanwhile, India has experienced record-length summer heat this year, with parts of the capital Delhi recording the country's highest-ever temperature of 49.9°C (121.8°F) last month.
Rising temperatures in the country could potentially hinder ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty, enhance health, and promote economic growth.
Read also:
The disaster has affected more than just Sikkim, as four individuals also lost their lives in Nepal's Koshi province due to the landslides.
Despite being stranded, the safety of the 2,400 tourists trapped in various tourist locations within the state is a priority for local authorities.
