Heavy rains in Sikkim trigger floods, landslides; roads blocked

Heavy rains over the past 24 hours have pushed rivers into spate across North Bengal and Sikkim, triggering flooding, road blockages and landslides in multiple areas.

The Teesta river overflowed its banks near Rabijhora on Tuesday, inundating low-lying areas and forcing the suspension of vehicle movement on state highway 12 towards Darjeeling at Teesta Bazar.

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While national highway 10, under the Teesta area remained open, heavy traffic and debris were reported along the stretch. Authorities have advised motorists to exercise extreme caution and allow extra travel time.

In Sikkim, continuous downpours triggered several landslides, blocking NH-10 at Bardang (Singtam–Rangpo 20th Mile), the Singtam–Ravangla road at Nagdhara, and the Khamdong Road. The Lava road to Sikkim was also closed near Kataray, further hampering connectivity to the hills.

The disruption came just a day after the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) marked Pre-Disaster Risk Reduction Day — a reminder of the devastating 2011 earthquake and the importance of preparedness. Officials said field teams have been deployed to clear debris and restore traffic as early as possible.

According to Sikkim authorities, all roads under Gangtok district are clear. In Pakyong district, the Rhenock–Pedong (Kalimpong) Road is blocked at Kataray on the West Bengal side, while the Rorathang–Rangpo Road is open but one-way at several points.

In Mangan district, the Mangan–Gangtok road via Rakdung–Tintek is clear, and via Phodong it is open for light vehicles only. The Mangan–Chungthang routes via Toong Naga and via Phidang–Sangkhalang remain closed due to slides, while the Sangkhalang–Shipgyer route is open with strict timing restrictions. Roads from Chungthang to Lachung, Lachen to Thangu, and up to Gurudongmar are clear, but the Chungthang–Lachen stretch remains blocked.

In Namchi district, almost all roads are clear except a few stretches near Ravangla and Hingdam. In Gyalshing and Soreng districts, several interior roads including Uttarey–Chiwabhanjyang and Dentam–Gyalshing are blocked, though key routes such as Legship–Jorethang and Dentam–Uttarey are open.

NH-10 at 20th Mile remains open but only one-way, and travellers have been urged to monitor official updates, drive cautiously and allow extra time until conditions improve.