2 hrs ago
Sikkim Faces Fresh Landslides and First Snowfall Amid Heavy Rain
Heavy rain fell across Sikkim and nearby parts of north Bengal.
The rain caused landslides in several places and blocked some roads.
A landslide at Bardang disrupted the main highway to Gangtok.
Officials diverted traffic through other routes.
Thirty-five families had already been moved from an area affected by repeated landslides.
Snow fell for the first time this season at Zero Point and near Tsomgo Lake.
River levels also rose close to danger marks.
Officials warned people and tourists to avoid unsafe travel during the bad weather.
Heavy rain triggered fresh landslides across Sikkim, disrupting road connectivity.
A landslide at Bardang blocked NH10 between Rangpo and Gangtok, prompting traffic diversions.
The season’s first snowfall was reported at Zero Point and the Tsomgo Lake area.
The Teesta and Mahananda rivers rose close to their respective danger levels.
Weather officials issued warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.
- Who
- Residents, families, tourists, road users and authorities in Sikkim and nearby north Bengal were affected.
- What
- Heavy rain caused landslides and road disruptions, while Sikkim recorded its first snowfall of the season.
- Where
- Sikkim, including Rimbi, Bardang, Zero Point and the Tsomgo Lake area, as well as Darjeeling, Siliguri and nearby plains.
- When
- Landslides occurred over the previous 24 hours, with snowfall reported Thursday; further severe weather was forecast for Friday and Saturday.
- Why
- Heavy rain triggered the landslides and raised river levels; forecasts indicated more rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.
Key facts
- Affected highway
- NH10 between Rangpo and Gangtok was blocked by a landslide at Bardang’s 20th Mile.
- Evacuated families
- The Sikkim government evacuated 35 families from the Singlitam-Rimbi area.
- First snowfall
- Snowfall was reported at Zero Point in north Sikkim and near Tsomgo Lake in east Sikkim.
- Teesta level
- The Teesta rose to around 145 metres, near its 150-metre danger mark.
- Mahananda level
- The Mahananda near Mahatma Gandhi Chowk reached around 113 metres, near its 116-metre danger level.
- Warnings
- An orange warning was issued for Friday and a yellow warning for Saturday in parts of north Bengal; Sikkim districts also received a yellow warning for Friday.
- Forecast conditions
- Thunderstorms, lightning, winds of about 40kmph and rainfall of up to 120mm were forecast in parts of north Bengal.
Quotes
A district administration official
Official issuing travel-safety advice amid heavy rain and landslide risks.
“Tourists and visitors are advised to plan their movement with caution and avoid travelling during heavy rain.”
telegraphindia.com
“Snowfall was reported near Zero Point in north Sikkim and in the Changu area from Thursday morning.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
West Sikkim Evacuates 128 From Rimbi, 33 From Singlitam
Landslides Disrupt Road Connectivity Across Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan
Landslides and Rain Disrupt Roads in Sikkim and North Bengal
Sikkim Landslide Cuts Road Connectivity, Two Houses Evacuated
India Live Updates: Sikkim Landslide, Nepal Rain Warnings, Kedarnath Waste
Sikkim Landslide Partially Blocks Teesta, Chyakoong Rivers; Alert Issued
Kolkata woman dies from altitude sickness in North Sikkim
