Recent heavy rain and landslides in Sikkim have wreaked havoc. On June 1, 2025, a landslide struck a military camp in Chaten of Mangan district, claiming three lives. Six security personnel remain missing. The water level of the Teesta River has surged. Rescue teams are braving challenging conditions in their search.
Current Weather Conditions in Sikkim
Heavy Rainfall: Especially in the Mangan district, torrential rains persist. The weather department warns of continued downpour.
Teesta River Levels: Rain has elevated the Teesta River to perilous levels, posing flood risks.
Tourist Situation: With roads blocked in Mangan, Lachen, and Lachung, 1200-1500 tourists are stranded. One has perished, eight are missing.
Reasons Behind Recurrent Floods and Landslides in Sikkim
Climate Change:
Global warming accelerates Himalayan glacier melting, raising glacial lake levels, which could burst amid heavy rain or landslides.
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF):
Sikkim has over 300 glacial lakes, 10 of which are dangerously susceptible to bursting due to intense rainfall or avalanches, triggering floods.
Uncontrolled Development:
Unchecked construction and pollution in the Himalayas have destabilized the terrain, exacerbating landslide risks.
Landslides and River Obstructions:
Torrential rain may cause soil and rock slides on hills, blocking rivers, leading to upstream flooding. A breach could result in abrupt flooding.
Extreme Weather Patterns:
Climate change is increasing incidents of severe rainfall and cloudbursts.
Historical Natural Disasters in Sikkim
October 2023: A cloudburst over South Lhonak Lake caused floods in the Teesta River, breaking Chungthang dam, killing 14, with 102 missing (including 22 soldiers), impacting 22,000. Eleven bridges and 277 homes were destroyed.
June 2024: Heavy rain and landslides stranded over 1,200 tourists in Mangan and Lachung. Roads were swept away, affecting daily life.
May 2025: Landslides in North Sikkim blocked roads, trapping several tourists. Connectivity between Sangklang and Phidong was severed.
Relief and Rescue Efforts
Sikkim's administration, police, and Border Road Organization (BRO) are tirelessly searching for stranded tourists and missing individuals. Twenty-six relief camps have been established, housing 2,080 people. West Bengal's government has set up a help desk in Rangpo. Experts suggest timely warning systems could have mitigated the damage.
