• Source:JND
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Sikkim Landslides: Heavy rain has once again triggered landslides across various parts of Sikkim, but no casualties have been reported as of Wednesday evening, according to officials. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the three individuals who lost their lives in Majwa village, South Sikkim, due to landslides over the weekend.

Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been no major landslides since Tuesday, though the debris has obstructed and damaged National Highway 10, the crucial lifeline connecting Sikkim to Kalimpong district in West Bengal, state authorities from both regions confirmed.

The heavy showers on the night of June 10 have taken a toll on Thek village in Pakyong district, where properties have suffered extensive damage. The rains have triggered erosion along the riverbanks, damaging several houses, the Pakyong administration reported.

The state's disaster management authority recounts the flash floods that struck the Teesta river in October 2023, claiming over 100 lives, including several Indian Army personnel and affecting more than 22,000 people across Sikkim.

The calamity was triggered by a glacial lake outburst in South Lhonak, following torrential rainfall, submerging human habitations, army camps and hydroelectric projects over a vast area.

Sikkim Weather Forecast

Bracing for more turbulent weather, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory, forecasting intense rainfall and thunderstorm activities across Sikkim from June 12 to 16.

This Weather pattern is attributed to a cyclonic circulation over East Uttar Pradesh and an east-west oriented upper air trough extending from East Uttar Pradesh to Nagaland, traversing Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and South Assam. Additionally, a significant influx of moisture from the Bay of Bengal is contributing to these conditions.

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in specific districts on certain days. On June 13, Mangan and parts of Namchi are forecasted to bear the brunt of heavy to very heavy showers, with Gangtok, Pakyong, Gyalshing and Soreng also expecting heavy rain. On June 14, Namchi is anticipated to receive heavy rainfall, with Gangtok, Gyalshing, Mangan, Pakyong, and Soreng also likely to be affected.