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The Sikkim administration issued a red alert on Saturday morning after relentless overnight rainfall in Mangan district caused the Teesta River to swell beyond the danger level, eroding its

banks at multiple locations. A red alert remained in effect for at least three hours, during which residents were advised to stay in safe locations. Particularly alarming was the situation

in Phidang village, North Sikkim, where the intensified water flow threatened nearby settlements. Advertisement Given the “red warning” status for Mangan, authorities cautioned that any

flood-like situation in the north could affect the downstream stretch of the Teesta in Gangtok district, especially between Dikchu and Singtam. Advertisement All tourist permits for north

Sikkim were suspended following a massive landslide near Chungthang. traffic movement was completely halted near the Toong checkpost due to debris, prompting local MLA and social welfare

minister Samdup Lepcha to visit the affected areas. In a public appeal, the administration urged citizens not to panic but to remain vigilant. “Timely updates will be provided as the

situation develops,” an official statement said. Minister leads ground response and awareness drive Samdup Lepcha, the MLA from Lachen-Mangan, visited landslide-affected areas including

Chungthang, Theeng, and the Toong–Naga river belt to assess damages to property and livelihoods. He also visited Munsithang to oversee ongoing search operations at an accident site. The

minister conducted awareness meetings across Chungthang, educating residents on monsoon preparedness and safety protocols. These efforts aimed to empower local communities to face extreme

weather events with better readiness. Lepcha also met with GREF officials to review road conditions and directed them to expedite road repairs while ensuring safe and accessible routes for

local communities. His interventions underscored the government’s focus on both emergency response and infrastructure resilience. Road connectivity severely disrupted Colonel AK Dixit of the

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) confirmed that road formation had been washed away in two sections near Toong Ship-Gear, while rock falls continued near the 35 Mile stretch. Restoration

efforts are underway but are expected to take over seven hours, with road access likely to be restored only by Sunday. Currently, the road from Dikchu to Sangkalan via Phidang remains open,

but the stretch from Sangkalan to Chungthang remains closed. Emergency response and public safety measures In Gangtok district, all nodal officers for disaster management have been

instructed to remain on high alert and maintain close communication with field staff across the Teesta belt. Any emergency developments are to be immediately reported to the district control

room at 03592-204995 or directly to district officials. In Rangpo, precautionary measures have been stepped up following the river’s rising levels. SDM Sujata Subba and other officials are

actively monitoring the situation on the ground. Heavy rains have triggered multiple landslides in Theeng and Chungthang, severely impacting mobile connectivity and damaging several

properties. Some tourists are reportedly stranded in Lachung, awaiting evacuation as assessment reports are being compiled. Police and disaster response teams have been strategically

deployed in vulnerable areas to protect lives and property. Residents are urged to remain alert, follow official advisories, and avoid going near riverbanks. Advertisement