The torrential downpours led to a series of landslides, effectively isolating North Sikkim from the rest of the state. Simultaneously, the swelling River Teesta overflowed its banks, causing widespread flooding and displacing hundreds of residents, rendering them homeless.
Landslides extensively destroyed houses in Upper Gyathang and Tarag villages. The road to Mangan district headquarters was blocked, and the crucial National Highway 10, linking Sikkim to Kalimpong in West Bengal, was affected. Additionally, the swollen Teesta River flooded into Melli Stadium in South Sikkim.
Officials informed on June 10, “Apart from the two deaths, a woman was seriously injured after the flash flood hit the village around 6 a.m., while another person is missing. The injured has been rushed to Singtam District Hospital. At least seven houses have also been damaged,”
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang declared a compensation of ₹5 lakh for each family of the three individuals who lost their lives in Majwa village, South Sikkim. In North Sikkim, landslides have resulted in road blockages, house damage, and electricity pole destruction.
Hem Kumar Chettri, the district magistrate of Mangan in North Sikkim, has convened an immediate meeting with department heads and stated that they are continuously monitoring the situation.
In October last year, more than 100 individuals lost their lives due to a sudden flood caused by the outburst of a glacial lake in North Sikkim. In Teesta Bazar, Kalimpong, which had also experienced the flash flood last year, residents relocated to safer areas as the Teesta River’s water level surged, inundating their residences.
The route to Darjeeling through Peshok was submerged in floodwater, and at Melli Bazar, the Teesta River overflowed onto the roads, leading to several vehicles being flooded at Teesta Bazar. Engineers working on road repairs highlighted the significant challenges posed by the monsoon in constructing embankments to safeguard National Highway 10.
The water level in the Teesta River was steadily increasing due to ongoing rainfall in Sikkim until the latest reports. Authorities have issued alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in North Bengal.
