600 tourists still stranded in Sajek amid power outage

More than 600 tourists are still stranded at the Sajek Valley tourist spot due to heavy rainfall and landslide which flooded the  connecting roads.

Rahul Chakma, the organizing secretary of the Sajek Resort Owners Association, confirmed the situation on Thursday  morning.

He said that the connecting roads of Dighinala and Baghairhat-Macholong road are currently underwater. 

Toursists have been stranded in Sajek since Wednesday, facing additional suffering because of a power outage.

Vehicular movement is suspended due to strong current. Stranded tourists of Sajek are safe, Rahul Chakma added.

If the water level drops by this afternoon, the tourists can safely return home. However, if the current situation prolongs, they can stay in the cottages today for free of charges. This is an initiative taken by the cottage owners’ association during adverse weather and disaster. 

The electricity supply to Dighinala and Sajek has been cut off since Wednesday afternoon as water flooded the Dighinala power substation, which caused widespread suffering, including the cottage owners. 

Yuvraj, a local cottage owner said, "We are using generators to pump water and charge phones amid the blackout. If fuel runs out, there would be complete darkness. The roads are submerged seven feet. It is unlikely to recede today, and rain is intermittent.

Resident engineer of the Dighinala Substation Hillol Barua informed, water has slightly receded from the substation and work is underway to restore the power supply. 

Power has already been restored in some parts of Sajek and Dighinala. However, power supply is still suspended in heavily flooded areas.