North Sikkim has been completely cut off due to landslides on National Highway 10, the main route connecting the region to Kalimpong in West Bengal. Massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall have devastated northern Sikkim’s Mangan district, resulting in six deaths, five missing persons, and 1,500 stranded tourists, officials reported on Thursday.
“Landslides blocked stretches of roads, and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away,” officials said. The situation has worsened with the overflowing Teesta River inundating the Melli Stadium in South Sikkim, leaving several people homeless, they added.
A newly constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed, severing the link between Mangan and the towns of Dzongu and Chungthang. As a result, popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley are now inaccessible.
Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri held an urgent meeting with department heads to address the crisis. “Three people each died in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages,” he stated. Numerous houses have been damaged in Geythang, roads are blocked at Nampathang near Pentok, and a police outpost in Bringbong had to be relocated. A relief camp has been set up at Pakshep for displaced residents, Chettri said.
Mobile network services are disrupted in North Sikkim, prompting the district administration to request an SDRF team with supplies for Mangan. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has directed district officials, police, and other departments to ensure a swift response to the devastation. “Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and provision of basic needs. The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident,” Tamang stated from Arunachal Pradesh.
The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties are yet to be determined by the state government.
In October last year, a glacial lake outburst flood in North Sikkim claimed over 100 lives. The Teesta River had flooded roads at Melli Bazar, inundating many vehicles parked at Teesta Bazar.
No respite from heat for South Bengal
According to the IMD, widespread moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal in the next seven days. Heavy to very heavy rains are also forecast for the region in the next five days.
