1,500 stranded, 6 dead in north Sikkim, rain triggers floods in Kalimpong

KALIMPONG/SILIGURI: Incessant rain triggered multiple landslides in Mangan district in north Sikkim on Thursday, claiming six lives. Two persons went missing and one was severely injured, apart from more than 1,500 tourists, mostly from Bengal, being stranded in Lachung and Chunthang. The water level of the Teesta surged past the danger mark on Thursday morning, causing severe flooding on the roads of NH-10 and disrupting transport between Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok.The road leading to Mangan has been washed away at various points, cutting off vehicles ferrying relief material.
Traffic diversion has been advised for small vehicles going from Rangpo towards Siliguri via Munsong-17th Mile-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan. Heavy vehicles have been diverted via Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan to Siliguri. The alternative route for vehicles from Kalimpong to Darjeeling has been suggested along 27th Mile and Teesta Valley. PWD is trying to clear the Peshok-Darjeeling road.

Mangan SP Sonam Dichu said, "Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung are cut off due to the collapse of the bridge at Sankalang. The stranded tourists have been asked to stay where they are to avoid mishaps." Dichu added that mobile network in north Sikkim has become non-functional, severely hitting communications in the region.
The sudden flood has left local residents in distress, with their homes inundated and their belongings at risk. "Where should we go? Everyone knows our situation but nobody does anything," said Sunanya Prasad, a resident of Teesta Village. Jyoti Bishwakarma, a panchayat member of Teesta, said rehabilitation centres and schools, used during the Oct 4, 2023, flash flood, will be reopened to house displaced individuals.

Kalimpong DM Bala Subramanian T said traffic restrictions have been imposed from Melli to Chitrey due to cracks in the road surface. . "No major property damage or evacuation have been reported. Residents are being kept informed and are in constant communication regarding the rising water level. Flood shelters are prepared. But, so far, no one has needed to relocate," the DM said, adding special teams of civil defence personnel and police have been stationed at key locations for necessary monitoring and surveillance.