Amidst the relentless downpour since dawn, local authorities have divulged that the landslides were triggered by the incessant rainfall.
A landslide wreaked havoc in the Shantinagar vicinity of Singhtham, North Sikkim, resulting in the closure of National Highway 10. The Panihouse enclave near Gangtok finds itself in a state of paralysis, gravely disrupting the rhythm of public life.
In the Rolep district of South Sikkim, several landslides occurred, leaving an iron bridge in shambles and causing damage to a few residences. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far.
Recalling the recent calamity in Majua, South Sikkim, where three lives were lost and numerous houses ravaged, another sizable landslide struck the Shantinagar area of Singhtham, North Sikkim, this very morning.
With roads barricaded due to the landslides, scores of tourists find themselves marooned on the winding paths of Sikkim’s hills. Vehicles line up on either end of the road, patiently awaiting the clearance of debris.
Nevertheless, the arduous rescue operation is anticipated to consume considerable time, prompting the Sikkim administration to implore tourists to seek alternative routes.
Expressing his predicament, driver Suman Chhetri lamented, “The rain hasn’t relented since morning. Countless cars are immobilized by the landslides. Traffic congestion on the national highway is formidable, and restoration seems a distant prospect. It’s a dire situation! Tourists, too, are grappling with hardships.”
In an effort to provide guidance, the Sikkim administration has issued directives concerning road conditions for tourists.
Restrictions permit only light passenger vehicles to traverse the three routes from Mangan in North Sikkim to Gangtok via Rakdung.
Normal traffic flow is observed on the Phodong road from Mangaon to Gangtok, whereas the Naga route from Mangan to Chungthang via Tung remains inaccessible.
Traffic control measures are in place on the Sipgyar road from Mangan via Sangekalang to Chungthang.
The Sangekalang to Chungthang road will be accessible from 5 am to 8:30 am and 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, with reciprocal access permitted from 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6:30 pm. Exceptions are made for emergency service vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines. The Lachen to Chungthang road is open from 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 5:30 pm, while the Jima road from Lachen to Thangu remains closed.
The Thangu to Gurdungmar road remains open, and traffic flows smoothly on the Chungthang to Lachung, Lachung to Zero Point, and Mangan to Singhtham routes.