Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Sikkim, triggering multiple landslides that have cut off North Sikkim from the rest of the state. The swollen River Teesta has flooded its banks, leaving hundreds of people homeless and causing significant damage to infrastructure.
In response to the dire situation, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the three people who tragically lost their lives in Majwa village, South Sikkim.
The landslides in North Sikkim have not only blocked roads but also caused extensive damage to houses and electricity poles. The district administration in Mangan (North Sikkim) is working tirelessly, with District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri convening urgent meetings to coordinate relief efforts.
Reports indicate that houses in Upper Gyathang and Tarag villages have been completely destroyed by landslides. The road leading to Mangan district headquarters is impassable, and the vital National Highway 10, linking Sikkim with Kalimpong in West Bengal, has also been affected.
South Sikkim is grappling with the aftermath of the swollen Teesta River, which breached its banks and inundated areas including the Melli Stadium. This is reminiscent of the flash flood last year, triggered by a glacial lake outburst in North Sikkim, which claimed over 100 lives.
Communities in Kalimpong’s Teesta Bazar, still reeling from last year’s flood, are once again facing displacement as rising water levels threaten their homes. Roads leading to Darjeeling via Peshok are submerged, and Melli Bazar is also battling floodwaters.
Engineers engaged in road repair emphasize the daunting task of building embankments to protect National Highway 10, especially during the monsoon season. The Teesta’s water level continues to rise, fueled by ongoing rains in Sikkim, prompting alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in North Bengal.
Sources By Agencies