Heavy Rain in Sikkim Triggers Multiple Landslides, Damages Infrastructure

Heavy rains in Sikkim over the last three days have triggered multiple landslides across several areas, causing significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting road connectivity.

Bridge Damage and Road Blockages

The old Rang-Rang bridge, a critical gateway to the northern part of Sikkim, has suffered severe damage due to the landslides. This has resulted in Mangan district being cut off from the rest of the state. The alternative route via Dzongu is also inaccessible due to the damage to the Sankhalang bridge last year. The district administration is working to assess the damage and restore connectivity as soon as possible.

Weather Alerts and Flood Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sikkim, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. The state has already received 254.6 mm of rainfall in the last 96 hours, leading to an alarming rise in the water level of the Teesta River. Residents living along the river have been advised to avoid the riverbanks and evacuate low-lying areas such as Teesta Bazar in North Bengal.

Impact on Local Communities and Tourists

Several villages in Soreng districts Daramdin constituency have reported numerous landslides, resulting in damage to homes and livestock losses. Traffic congestion along National Highway 10 has been reported due to multiple landslides, causing delays of three to four hours for tourists. The state government has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to the state until conditions improve.

Additional Precautions and Relief Measures

The NHPC power plant's dams, including Teesta Low Dam III and IV, have been opened to maintain safe water levels in the reservoirs. Residents have been alerted about the water release and advised to steer clear of the riverbanks along NH10 due to potential flooding risks. Relief measures are underway, with the district administration evaluating the extent of the damage and providing necessary assistance.

Additionally, the sudden drop in temperature in Sikkim has led to the state witnessing its first snow of the season in the alpine belt of Mangan district.