Photo Courtesy: nenow
Gangtok: A massive landslide in North Sikkim partially blocked the Teesta and Chyakoong rivers between September 5 and 6. A large section of hillside collapsed in the Naga Forest area along the Naga Tosa Road. This event occurred directly opposite the Theng Tunnel in the Chungthang subdivision near the river confluence.
Debris fell into the channels, creating a temporary obstruction. The Teesta continues to flow, though water has pooled in the affected stretch. River levels at the Sankalang and Phidang monitoring posts remain normal. The water, however, is visibly muddy and swollen as far downstream as the Kalijhora Dam in West Bengal.
Emergency teams are watching the site. Personnel from the Chungthang and Theng police posts maintain a continuous, direct observation of the area. The district administration has directed officials to report any significant changes to water levels immediately.
No deaths or injuries occurred. Authorities are still assessing potential property damage. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority cautioned residents to avoid riverbanks and rely only on official updates. They explicitly warned the public to ignore online rumors, stating, "People have been asked to immediately report any unusual change in the water flow, colour or level, or any other disaster-related development, through the nearest DDMA or the SSDMA helpline."
Emergency lines are active. Residents can reach the state authority at 03592-201145, 03592-202461, or 03592-205256. District contacts are 03592-281007 for Mangan, 03592-204995 for Gangtok, 03595-263009 for Namchi, 03595-250633 for Gyalshing, 03595-291660 for Soreng, and 03592-200024 for Pakyong.
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