Nature’s fury at its peak: Incessant rains, landslides leave trail of destruction in Sikkim

The floodwaters in West Sikkim's Uttarey have also washed away the road that connects Uttarey and Sopakha

There has been a massive destruction in several parts of Sikkim for more than a week now due to torrential downpours, flash floods, and landslides brought on by extreme weather conditions that has been exacerbated by climate change. Several bridges, and houses have been washed away, roads have been blocked, communication and water supply snapped, many villages are now underwater and also one person lost his life after he was swept away by flood waters.

The road connecting Dentam with Pelling and Gyalshing has completely been washed away by the waters of the Kalaz River due to the incessant rainfall in Dentam area for the past few days.

The rising water level of the Kalaz River swept away a Kaccha house (house made of bamboo, mud, grass, reed, stones, thatch, straw, and leaves), an RCC building, two crematory sheds, and a JCB machine in Dentam.

Following the situation, locals of the area have been shifted to a safe place. No casualties have been reported so far.

The floodwaters in West Sikkim’s Uttarey have washed away the road that connects Uttarey and Sopakha. Along with that, flood waters swept away two bridges, a trout farm, a poultry farm, and a vegetable shed.

Due to last night’s torrential rain, a house at Lower Okhrey in Sombaria, West Sikkim is on the verge of collapsing. Its inhabitants have been relocated to a safer area.

All temporary bridges in border areas connecting West Bengal have been severely destroyed by the rising water of the Ramam River.

Damages were also reported from NTPC Salayangdang, where some machinery and temporary sheds from the project site were swept away by the river Ramam.

The mainline from Rangyang source that supplies water to the Soreng-Chakung area has also been damaged due to last night’s intense downpour. Although it may take some time, line fitters are deployed for immediate repair.

On June 16, Sikkim reported its first casualty when a 90-year old man lost his life after being swept away by the turbulent waters of the Rimbi river in West Sikkim.

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