The relentless rainfall over the past three days in the Sikkim and North Bengal regions has brought normal life to a standstill. Reports have emerged of numerous landslides across Sikkim and North Bengal, prompting the authorities to issue strict warnings, urging the public to stay safe and vigilant in the aftermath of last year’s devastating floods that occurred during the same period.
All regions of Sikkim have been impacted by the landslides, including the east, west, south, and north, seriously impairing road connectivity. Snowfall has also been reported in North Sikkim’s high alpine regions, especially in Tshangu, as well as in the well-known tourist spots of Tsongmo and Zuluk. The state of affairs on National Highway NH10, which is vital to Sikkim, is bad; it is closed at several places, notably Bardang between Rangpo and Singtam, and on the West Bengal side at Melli Labarbotay, Teesta, Selfie Dara, Birik Dara, and Andheri at Kali Jhora. Transportation is significantly disrupted as NH10 remains immobilized.
Although alternate routes have been suggested by emergency management officials, they warn that there are still significant hazards of landslides and boulder falls along these routes. The roads via Pakyong to Reshi and Lava as well as Rangpo to Mungpo to Lava are examples of these other routes. The Teesta river’s water level has risen above the danger level, burying a significant portion of NH10 in Teesta and Rabi Jhora and blocking the Teesta route to Darjeeling. The current state of affairs has brought up memories of the catastrophic flash flood that struck the Teesta belt on October 4, 2023, causing significant property damage and fatalities.
