On September 28, 2024, Sikkim, India, is facing severe flooding due to three consecutive days of heavy rainfall, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a 'Red Alert' for the region. The persistent downpour has caused multiple landslides, severely damaging the historic 'Rang-Rang' bridge, which serves as a crucial entry point to the northern part of the state. As a result, connectivity to the district headquarters in Mangan has been disrupted.
Local authorities are actively working to restore road access and assess the damage caused by the rainfall. The IMD has warned of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days, raising concerns about further landslides and flooding.
In several villages within the Damdedin constituency of Soreng district, landslides have affected homes and livestock. Emergency response efforts are underway, and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has opened the gates of its Teesta Lower Dam III and IV to maintain safe water levels in the reservoir.
Residents living along the Teesta River have been advised to avoid the riverbanks due to potential flooding risks. Traffic on National Highway 10 has been disrupted due to landslides at various locations, with tourists advised to take alternative routes through Lava and Kalimpong.
The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has urged citizens to refrain from unnecessary travel amid the ongoing adverse weather conditions. SKM spokesperson Bikas Basnet emphasized the importance of safety and vigilance, stating that Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular communication with officials.