Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Landslides and Rain Disrupt Roads in Sikkim and North Bengal
Heavy rain fell in Sikkim and north Bengal.
The rain caused landslides and made some roads difficult to use.
In Lower Sangmoo, mud damaged one house and part of another home’s kitchen.
Officials visited the area and checked the damage.
One family was moved to a temporary home for safety.
The Balasun River near Siliguri also became much higher.
Fast-moving water washed away part of a road diversion.
Heavy vehicles cannot cross there, but light vehicles and people can use a Bailey bridge.
Officials are watching the area because more rain could cause additional problems.
Heavy rain since Thursday night triggered landslides and disrupted road connectivity across parts of Sikkim and north Bengal.
A major mudslide at Lower Sangmoo in Sikkim damaged one home and partially damaged another kitchen on September 10.
Officials assessed the damage, arranged safety measures, and moved one affected family to temporary accommodation.
The Balasun River rose sharply near Siliguri, washing away part of a recently restored diversion.
Heavy vehicles cannot currently use the Siliguri-Mirik route, though light vehicles and pedestrians can cross via a Bailey bridge.
- Who
- Families in Lower Sangmoo, Sikkim, and authorities including district officials and members of the Chief Minister’s office.
- What
- Heavy rain triggered landslides, damaged homes, and washed away part of a Balasun River diversion, disrupting road travel.
- When
- Rain began affecting the region from Thursday night; the Lower Sangmoo mudslide occurred on September 10, and officials visited on Friday.
- Where
- Lower Sangmoo in the Ravangla area of Sikkim, and the Balasun River route between Siliguri and Mirik in north Bengal.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall caused the landslides and sharply increased the Balasun River’s flow.
- Affected regions
- Parts of Sikkim and north Bengal’s hills and Terai-Dooars region
- Rainfall period
- Since Thursday night
- Sikkim damage
- One residential house was damaged and another kitchen was partially damaged at Lower Sangmoo
- Safety response
- Saney Rai’s family was moved to temporary accommodation
- River impact
- A portion of the recently restored diversion over the Balasun River was washed away
- Traffic restriction
- Heavy vehicles are unable to use the route between Siliguri and Mirik
- Alternative crossing
- A Bailey bridge is allowing light vehicles and pedestrians to cross