At least one person was killed and five others went missing after incessant rainfall caused massive landslides in Sikkim's Mangan district, officials said on Thursday. The landslides blocked roads, inundated or damaged houses, and washed away electricity poles.
A body was discovered in the Pakshep area of Mangan district, while three people went missing from Ambithang near Rangrang and two others from Pakshep, news agency PTI quoted an official as saying.
Officials said that the situation has worsened in several parts of Sikkim with the overflowing Teesta River inundating the Melli Stadium in the southern part of the state.
Moreover, several houses were damaged in Geythang, roads have been blocked at Nampathang near Pentok, a police outpost in Bringbong had to be relocated, and the foundation of a bridge at Sankalan has sustained damage.
Mobile network services in North Sikkim were also disrupted due to incessant rain, prompting the district administration to request an State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team with ration supplies to Mangan district, PTI reported.
Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, attending the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Pema Khandu in Arunachal Pradesh, communicated with the North district administration, police, and other officials to ensure a swift response to the disaster.
"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," Tamang stated.
"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.
Meanwhile, Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri chaired an urgent meeting with all the heads of various departments to mitigate the situation.
Several areas of northern West Bengal also witnessed similar situations as heavy rain caused the Teesta River to swell, prompting the administration to prevent traffic movement along the Kalimpong-Darjeeling Road.
Police have urged residents in the affected areas to move to safe locations. Officials report that the relentless rainfall continues to flood more roads and homes.
