Six dead as landslides ravage Mangan, cripples road connectivity in North Sikkim

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,:  Six persons were killed and two injured during multiple slides in and around Mangan town on Thursday morning following incessant rains. Several houses were damaged while road connectivity to Mangan remains splintered at different locations.

Road networks within Mangan district are also disrupted at several locations.

According to information available, three persons – one male and two females - lost their lives at the Pakshep landslide near Mangan town. One kutcha house was washed away while seven pucca houses are partially damaged.

In Ambithang, just before Mangan town, three lives were claimed by the landslides.

The road leading to Mangan has been washed away at various points cutting off vehicles to ferry any relief material. Log bridges are being built by the Forest department to connect with the affected areas.

Several houses are damaged at Pentok above Mangan town while few houses are reported as damaged by the landslides at Gyethang, Dzongu. Several livestock and poultry chickens were also claimed by the landslides.

Rescue and relief teams are at the spot but their efforts are being hampered as road networks have been disrupted by the landslides. Mobile connectivity is also severely affected.

Heads of Mangan district administration along with officials concerned have started relief work immediately, it is informed. A relief camp has been set up at Pakshep JHS where around 70 persons have taken shelter.

Meanwhile, the IMD has forecasted that heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Gangtok, Gyalshing, Pakyong and Soreng districts in the next 24 hours.

CM directs swift relief measures

Chief Minister PS Golay has expressed his shock and sadness over the devastating landslides which struck areas in and around Mangan, and various locations of North Sikkim.

Golay was in Itanagar today to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Council of Ministers of the Arunachal Pradesh government.

Through his social media post, the Chief Minister shared that he has communicated with the North district administration, Police department, and concerned departments to ensure a swift and comprehensive response. They are committed to providing every possible support to the victims and affected families for their recovery, temporary settlement, and restoration, as well as basic needs, he said.

The government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident and will render the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslide, said the Chief Minister.

Chungthang cut-off as Sangkhalang suspension bailey washed away

Sangkhalang suspension bailey bridge collapsed on Thursday afternoon due to intense flow of Teesta river following the heavy rains.

The Sangkhalang bridge was the gateway to Upper Dzongu settlements and also served as the only available alternative passage to Chungthang, Lachung, Lachen and border areas in North Sikkim. It had been launched by the BRO earlier this year in February.

As per information available, the nearby old bridge collided with the suspension bailey bridge at Sangkhalang resulting in its collapse under the river’s pressure.

Meanwhile, people can use the newly launched bailey suspension bridge by the BRO at Phidang at Lower Dzongu if the approach roads are clear or there are no disruptions between Phidang and Sangkhalang.