Heavy Rain Causes Floods in Sikkim
Bailey bridge collapses in Mangan district as incessant rain disrupts road links and isolates several areas
- Heavy rain washed away a bailey bridge in Mangan district.
- Floods and landslides disrupted road connectivity across several parts of Sikkim.
- NH-10 near the Sikkim–North Bengal border was partially inundated.
- IMD issued an orange alert; no casualties reported so far.
GG News Bureau
Gangtok, 28th June: Torrential rainfall across Sikkim triggered floods and landslides on Sunday, washing away a bailey bridge in Mangan district, disrupting road connectivity and isolating several areas, officials said.
The bridge over the Phee Khola stream, connecting Phidang and Sankalang, was swept away late Saturday night after the swollen stream overflowed due to incessant rainfall. The collapse has cut off the Dzongu constituency, affecting connectivity for more than seven Gram Panchayat units.
Officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mangan and local Panchayat representatives, visited the site to assess the damage, while a detailed inspection is underway.
In the Upper Kaw Khola area of Lingee under the Tumin-Lingee constituency, floodwaters washed away another bridge and damaged approach roads, leaving several villages isolated. Landslides blocked the Kaw road and the Lingee-Payong route, bringing vehicular movement to a halt.
The swollen river also destroyed the area’s main drinking water pipeline, disrupting water supply to local residents.
Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Teesta River inundated portions of National Highway-10 near the Sikkim–North Bengal border, affecting traffic movement.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall with isolated intense spells over Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, Gyalshing, Soreng and Namchi districts. Residents have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms and stay alert to the risks of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging.
Authorities said no deaths had been reported till Sunday evening, while rescue and monitoring teams remain on alert as heavy rainfall continues across the state.
