More than 3,000 tourists were stranded in the town of Lachen and Lachung in Sikkim after a flash flood hit the area. However, relief came as officials announced that all the stranded tourists are safe. The Indian Air Force made efforts to carry out rescue and relief operations using helicopters, but they were unable to fly due to bad weather conditions. The roads leading to Lachen and Lachung were also damaged, complicating rescue efforts. An alternative route is being opened for rescue teams, and Teesta Urja has provided a chopper to aid in the rescue operations. Despite the challenges, an ITBP team reached the area and is currently carrying out relief and rescue operations. The weather forecast predicts that the district will experience light to moderate rain for the next five days. The NDRF teams, along with state agencies, are involved in rescue operations in other areas as well. Despite their efforts, rescue teams have not been able to reach the upper reaches of North Sikkim, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung. However, small teams with senior government officers have trekked from Mangan to Chungthang, assessing the damage and providing vital information to the state government. More rescue teams, including personnel from the India Reserve Battalion, are on their way to Chungthang. Chungthang has suffered extensive damage in the flash flood, with almost 80% of the town affected. The flash flood was triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, resulting in the swelling of the Teesta river. The tragedy claimed the lives of 27 people, including eight Army men, while 141 people remain missing. Besides the human toll, over 1,200 houses were damaged, and 13 bridges were washed away in the flood. The situation in Lachen and Lachung remains challenging, but rescue and relief efforts are ongoing.