Around 600 tourists stranded in Sajek as floodwaters cut off access

Around 600 tourists have been stranded at the Sajek Valley tourist destination after heavy rain and hill runoff submerged key sections of the only access road, disrupting traffic, local authorities said.

According to the Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners Association, floodwaters inundated a bridge and two road sections in the Machalong area on the Sajek–Baghaichhari route, leaving visitors who arrived on Monday and Tuesday unable to leave.

Association President Surpan Debbarma said all stranded tourists are safe despite the road closure.

"The Machalong section remains underwater, cutting off access to and from Sajek. Tourists will be able to return only after the rain subsides and floodwaters recede," he said.

To ease the situation, resort and cottage owners have decided not to charge additional room rent for guests forced to extend their stay. Visitors will only be required to cover utility costs, including water usage, until road communication is restored.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as continued rainfall raises concerns over further disruptions across the region.