More than 600 holidaymakers remain stranded in the popular hill resort of Sajek Valley after torrential rainfall and subsequent landslides severely disrupted transport links and vital utility networks.
The severe weather has rendered key arterial routes entirely impassable. Organizing secretary of the Sajek Resort Owners Association, Rahul Chakma, confirmed on Thursday morning that critical connecting roads, specifically the passages through Dighinala and the Baghairhat-Macholong route, are currently submerged under deep water.
Local operators report that water levels on certain road segments have risen by as much as seven feet, with exceptionally strong currents making vehicular movement impossible. Despite the challenging conditions and prolonged travel disruptions experienced by the tourists since Wednesday, resort officials have assured the public that all visitors are safe.
In a bid to alleviate the pressure on travellers, the local accommodation owners’ association has launched an emergency support initiative, offering free lodging to those unable to leave due to the adverse weather. If the water recedes sufficiently by this afternoon, visitors will be able to begin their return journeys safely. However, should the conditions persist, guests are being permitted to stay in the cottages free of charge today.
The prolonged downpour has also dealt a significant blow to the local energy network. Electricity supply across Dighinala and Sajek was abruptly cut off on Wednesday afternoon after floodwaters breached the Dighinala power substation, compounding the difficulties faced by both residents and hospitality businesses.
Local cottage owner Yuvraj highlighted the operational strain on the ground, explaining that businesses are currently relying on fuel-powered generators to pump essential water supplies and provide mobile phone charging points during the blackout. Operational continuity remains highly fragile, as a complete blackout threatens the valley if fuel reserves run out before the intermittent rains cease.
Efforts to restore power to the affected communities are under way. Resident engineer at the Dighinala Substation, Hillol Barua, indicated that water levels inside the flooded utility facility have begun to drop slightly, allowing engineering teams to safely initiate critical repair work. While electricity has been successfully restored to select areas of Sajek and Dighinala, supply remains entirely suspended in the most heavily inundated zones.
In light of the ongoing threat of further landslides and treacherous road conditions, the District Administration has officially prohibited all travel to Sajek Valley until conditions improve.
.jpg "PM may reshuffle ministers, appoint advisers: Zahed")
