Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Sikkim has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past three days, leading to severe landslides across the state. The old Rang-Rang bridge, an important link to northern Sikkim, has been badly damaged, cutting off the Mangan district headquarters from the rest of the state. Officials are working quickly to assess the damage and repair the bridge to restore connectivity.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sikkim, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. With the weather worsening, many areas of Sikkim are facing increased challenges, and the situation is expected to become more difficult.
Landslides Hit Villages and Infrastructure
In Soreng district, several villages in the Daramdin constituency have been badly affected by landslides. Homes have been damaged, and there have been losses of livestock, causing concern for local residents. The district administration is currently assessing the extent of the damage and starting relief efforts to support those impacted by the landslides.
Meanwhile, traffic on National Highway 10 (NH10), a major road in Sikkim, has been severely impacted by landslides. Travelers, including tourists, are facing long delays, sometimes up to four hours. Authorities are recommending that people take an alternative route through Lava and Kalimpong to avoid these traffic disruptions.
Power Plant and Public Safety
As a precaution, the NHPC power plant has opened its dams at Teesta Low Dam III and IV to manage water levels in the reservoirs. This move is intended to prevent flooding, but it has led to concerns for residents living near the Teesta River. People living along NH10 near the riverbanks have been advised to stay away from these areas due to the risk of flooding.
The Sankhalang bridge, which could serve as an alternative route through Dzongu, remains unusable after being damaged last year. This has made it even more difficult to restore connectivity in the region. Authorities are working hard to repair and reopen key roads and bridges to ensure people can move safely through the state.
Relief and Restoration Efforts
Local administrations across Sikkim are focused on evaluating the damage caused by the heavy rains and landslides. Relief efforts have started to help those affected, and teams are working to restore normal life in the state. Public safety is the top priority, and officials are taking steps to address infrastructure problems and protect residents from further harm due to the ongoing severe weather conditions.
With more rain expected, people in Sikkim are urged to remain cautious and follow safety advice from authorities.
