GANGTOK: In the wake of relentless rainfall, Mangan district in Sikkim has been hit by devastating landslides, leaving at least one person dead and five others missing.
The landslides wreaked havoc across the district, blocking roads, inundating or damaging houses, and toppling electricity poles.
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The body of one individual was recovered from the Pakshep area of Mangan district in Sikkim, while three people were reported missing from Ambithang near Rangrang and two others from Pakshep.
Several homes suffered damage, with three houses affected in Geythang and additional homes and roads impacted at Nampathang near Pentok.
The Bringbong police outpost was relocated due to landslide threats, and the foundation of a bridge at Sankalan sustained damage.
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Mobile network services in North Sikkim have been disrupted.
In response, the district administration has requested that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) send a team with supplies to Mangan.
Efforts to clear the debris are underway, with an earthmover deployed near Mangshila Degree College to facilitate road clearance.
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, currently in Arunachal Pradesh for BJP leader Pema Khandu’s swearing-in ceremony, has been in communication with district officials, police and other department heads to ensure a coordinated response.
“Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs,” Sikkim CM PS Tamang-Golay said in a statement.
“The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides,” he added.
CM Tamang plans to return to Sikkim soon to personally oversee the ongoing rescue and relief operations.