Fresh rain forecast keeps Sikkim, North Bengal on high alert

Sikkim and North Bengal remained on alert on Thursday as forecasts indicated scattered rainfall across the region over the next three days (July 18–20), raising concerns over fresh landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas.

The situation remains particularly critical in Sikkim, especially around the unstable 20th Mile stretch. Officials fear that heavy rainfall could trigger fresh landslides in the coming days.

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In Gangtok district, inspection teams found cracks in several houses and reported extensive structural damage to a local monastery and temple, both of which have been declared unsafe for religious activities until further notice.

As a precaution, the Sikkim Shramik Bishram Griha has been identified as a temporary relief shelter for families whose houses have been declared unsafe until detailed assessments and rehabilitation measures are completed.

Heavy rain over the Kurseong hills on Wednesday night increased inflow into the Teesta River. The river’s discharge, which reached around 2,000 cusecs per second around midnight, gradually receded to about 1,500 cusecs by Thursday evening.

In neighbouring Bhutan, intense rainfall triggered flash floods in the Dooars, snapping road communication between Madarihat and Totopara after the Tiki and Bangri rivers overflowed. Several people were stranded temporarily as sections of the road were washed away.

Rural pockets of Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri also reported localised flooding, while at Hamiltonganj, an earthen drainage channel swelled into a torrent, damaging several houses.

The Pagle Jhora stream near Kalijhora also witnessed a sharp rise in water level on Thursday, though no casualties or major damage were reported.

Siliguri received rain in the morning, but the weather improved by afternoon, allowing Rath Yatra celebrations to pass off peacefully. Authorities across Sikkim and North Bengal are closely monitoring vulnerable locations and have asked residents in landslide- and flood-prone areas to remain cautious over the coming days.