Massive landslide snaps North Sikkim road links; Government issues red alert, public advisory

A major landslide triggered by relentless overnight rain has cut off Upper Dzongu from the rest of North Sikkim, severely damaging the vital Phidang–Sangklang road near the Phidang Bridge and Ring Khola early Sunday morning. Eyewitnesses said an entire stretch of the hillside caved in, sending debris crashing down the slopes and making vehicular movement impossible. Several other roads in the district remain blocked amid fears of fresh slides as heavy rainfall continues. The collapse has stranded commuters and disrupted daily transport in one of Sikkim’s most isolated regions, underscoring the state’s vulnerability to extreme weather.

Only days ago, four people were killed in a separate landslide in another part of Sikkim. A landslide at Upper Sardong, Lama Gaon Ward, Gyalshing district, on 13 September claimed the life of Rajen Gurung (47), panchayat president of 19-Sardong-Lungzick GPU. Gurung was caught in the slide near his home around 8 p.m, and his body was recovered from the debris at 10.30 p.m. MLA and Tourism Advisor Sudesh K Subba visited the bereaved family, reviewed the damage, and assured support. The Gyalshing District Administration, in coordination with DDMA, Health, Forest, QRTs and local villagers, swiftly carried out search and rescue operations. ASP Sonam Wangdi Bhutia, DPO Ganesh Kumar Rai and Panchayat representatives also joined the efforts. In response, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have issued an urgent landslide alert and a public advisory.

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The notice warns of heightened risk across several locations and calls for extreme caution: Avoid travelling through landslide-prone zones unless absolutely necessary. – Stay vigilant for cracks, unusual water flow or soil movement near your home. – Avoid staying in vulnerable structures. – Follow official traffic advisories and updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). – Download the Sachet App (National Disaster Alert Portal) for real-time weather updates. Call local disaster management teams or the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) immediately in case of emergency.

Officials stressed that residents must remain alert and follow instructions until conditions improve. Heavy rainfall triggered the fall of a massive tree on the Melli–Aching–Nambu road, completely blocking traffic. Acting swiftly, a relief team led by Jai Prakash, Commandant of the 72nd Battalion SSB (Yuksam), reached the spot with equipment, cleared the tree and debris, and restored the road for public use. The prompt action, taken under adverse weather conditions, drew appreciation from local authorities, residents and travellers.