Heavy rains have caused widespread havoc in Sikkim leading to massive landslides and flooding in the Teesta river.
At least six people have been killed and over 1500 tourists stranded as massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall caused devastation in the Mangan district.
The heavy rains triggered landslides cutting off North Sikkim from the rest of the state while the floods in River Teesta flooded the banks and left hundreds of people homeless. The floodwater from Teesta River has submerged the Melli stadium in South Sikkim.
A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed snapping the link between Mangan with Dzongu and Chungthang. Landslides blocked stretches of roads and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away.
Towns such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung in Mangan district known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley have now been cut off from the rest of the country.“
Landslides blocked stretches of roads and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away, officials said. National Highway 10 connecting Sikkim with Kalimpong in West Bengal was also affected due to the rains.
Mangan (North Sikkim) district magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri called an urgent meeting with all the heads of the department and said officials were monitoring the situation round the clock.
The body of a person was found in Pakshep area of Mangan, while three persons went missing from Ambithang near Rangrang and two others from Pakshep. Three houses were damaged in Geythang, while several houses were damaged and roads blocked at Nampathang near Pentok.
In October last year, a flash flood, triggered by a glacial lake outburst in North Sikkim, left over 100 people dead.
Meanwhile, the mobile network services were affected in North Sikkim. An earthmover was deployed near Mangshila Degree College to clear the debris from the road.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who is in Arunachal Pradesh to attend the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Pema Khandu, communicated with the North district administration, police and officials of other departments to ensure a swift response to the devastation.
"Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs," Tamang said in a statement.
"The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides," he said.