Sikkim Faces Landslides Amid Heavy Rainfall, No Casualties Reported
Landslides Disrupt Sikkim's Transport and Infrastructure
Mud covered vehicles in Sikkim
Gangtok, Sept 17: Despite experiencing heavy rainfall that led to numerous landslides and mudslides on September 16-17, Sikkim reported no casualties. The severe weather disrupted transportation and damaged homes across the state.
Key roadways in North, South, and East Sikkim were obstructed by debris, rockfalls, and mud, prompting ongoing clearance and damage assessment efforts by local authorities.
National Highway 10 was temporarily closed at Bardang, 20th Mile, due to a significant mudslide that swept a red passenger vehicle off the road. Clearance operations were halted until safety evaluations could be conducted.
Travel between Dikchu and Mangan was completely interrupted following substantial landslides at Zin Khola and 5th Mile.
The Dikchu-Singtam route faced blockages at Aapdara and Marchak, while overflowing streams hindered access on the Lingdem-Lhaven road at Lyok Kyong in Upper Dzongu.
Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert.
Clearance teams are awaiting a reduction in rainfall before deploying heavy machinery for cleanup.
In Gangtok, mudslides affected roads near High Court Fatak and along the Sirik-Bojoghari stretch, damaging parked vehicles. Additional blockages were noted along Lingee Road near Ambisey Kholsab.
The situation was particularly dire in Gyalshing district, where heavy rainfall since September 12 caused landslides and flash floods in Singlitam and Rimbi.
Over 160 residents were evacuated to emergency relief centers due to significant infrastructure damage.
The main RCC bridge at Rimbi was destroyed, severing a crucial link along the Melli-Khechuperi-Yuksom corridor, isolating local commuters.
Emergency teams are working to clear debris, set up temporary bamboo footbridges for pedestrians, and prepare for the construction of a Bailey Bridge on higher ground to restore vehicle access.
Authorities have also installed floodlights for continuous monitoring of active slide zones and laid emergency pipes to supply water to displaced residents.
Field inspections led by Gyalshing District Collector Tenzing Denzongpa and other officials are ongoing to evaluate the damage extent. Affected landowners are expected to receive disaster relief compensation between September 18 and October 18.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings about the Rimbi River changing course, raising the risk of secondary mudslides along roadside areas. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable regions are urged to stay alert and evacuate to designated shelters if necessary.
The adverse weather has also impacted residential areas, with landslides and overflowing streams causing damage to homes and property.
In Lingding, a landslide partially damaged a house, while in Lower Bojoghari, stream overflow affected Luing Road and the nearby village, leading to significant property damage.
In Tumin Lingee, ongoing road extension work exacerbated water runoff, resulting in floodwaters entering the home of Aadhes Bhattarai, putting the occupants at risk.
Vehicles severely damaged due to landslides and mudslides in Sikkim
In the Yuksom-Tashiding constituency, Minister and Area MLA Tshering T. Bhutia conducted an emergency inspection of the collapsed Rimbi-Singlitam road stretch alongside local panchayat officials to evaluate damage to infrastructure and private properties.
Bhutia assured affected families of prompt government assistance, including financial aid for rebuilding homes on newly acquired land, while outlining temporary measures to restore connectivity.
Authorities continue to urge residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel on vulnerable mountain routes.