Gangtok: The monsoon season is wreaking havoc in Sikkim, with heavy overnight rains in Mangan District resulting in three deaths and three individuals reported missing. The heavy downpour is expected to continue until June 16, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Gangtok.
The IMD stated, “Due to the presence of a cyclonic circulation over East Uttar Pradesh and its neighborhood at 0.9 km above mean sea level and an east-west oriented upper air trough from this cyclonic circulation over East Uttar Pradesh to Nagaland across Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and south Assam at 0.9 km above mean sea level, combined with strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, light to moderate rainfall activities with a few intense spells of heavy falls are very likely to affect the districts of Sikkim from June 12 to 16.”
Reports of Damage, Missing Persons in Mangan
Pakshep near Mangan reported three deaths and one missing. In Geythang, Dzongu, three houses have been damaged. In Nampathang near Mangan town, several houses have been damaged, and connecting roads are blocked.
In Bringbong under Dzongu constituency, a police outpost is under threat from a nearby landslide, necessitating staff evacuation.
Sankalang, also in Dzongu, reported infrastructure damage, including the foundation of a crucial bridge, which is at imminent risk of collapse due to the raging Teesta River. Most mobile networks in North Sikkim are currently non-functional.
Emergency Response Measures
The Sikkim Police deployed in Mangan District have requested the urgent deployment of one platoon of the Sikkim Armed Police and a State Disaster Relief Force team for emergency response.
The heavy downpour in North Sikkim has caused the Teesta River to swell to dangerous levels, posing a threat to low-lying areas of Singtam town and Melli town across the Sikkim border in North Bengal. The Melli public ground, precariously close to the Teesta River, has submerged. Reports confirm that the river level has increased, causing damage to houses in Teesta Bazaar along NH 10 in North Bengal. NH 10 has been deemed unfit for travel today due to the rising water level of the Teesta River.
Official Response
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay addressed the situation on social media, stating, “I am deeply shocked and saddened to know about the massive and devastating landslide that struck areas around Mangan and various locations in North Sikkim, following incessant rainfall since yesterday. This devastating incident has resulted in the tragic loss of lives, the sweeping away of houses, and the displacement of families.”
The Chief Minister added, “I have communicated with the North district administration, police department, and concerned departments to ensure a swift and comprehensive response. They are committed to providing every possible support to the victims and affected families for their recovery, temporary settlement, and restoration, as well as basic needs.”
Golay assured, “The government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident and will render the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslide.”
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