Landslide Partially Blocks Teesta River in Sikkim, Officials Report No Immediate Flood Threat
A landslide above the Chyakoong River in Sikkim's Mangan district has partially blocked both that waterway and the Teesta River, though officials say there is no immediate flood threat to…
A landslide above the Chyakoong River in Sikkim‘s Mangan district has partially blocked both that waterway and the Teesta River, though officials say there is no immediate flood threat to downstream communities.
Water accumulated overnight in the affected stretch near Naga Forest, opposite Theng Tunnel. The debris has temporarily obstructed flow in both rivers, authorities confirmed.
Police teams deployed to Chungthang and Theng found the Teesta’s flow normal at present, though the water remains muddy. Water levels at Sankalang and Phidang are also being monitored and have not shown abnormal rise.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said he spoke directly with Sikkim Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang, who confirmed the landslide occurred during the intervening night of September 5 and 6 above the Chyakoong River, opposite OC Bhir. The blockage has caused water to accumulate, but both rivers continue to flow partially.
“No loss of life or injuries has been reported so far,” Bista said. He urged residents along the Teesta’s banks to remain alert and take precautionary measures given ongoing rainfall across the region.
“Our entire region is receiving rainfall, so it is better to be safe than sorry,” he said.
The Mangan District Administration has alerted vulnerable areas in the lower belt as a precaution. Police and rescue personnel are maintaining continuous monitoring.
Authorities have asked residents in the area to avoid approaching the Teesta and Chyakoong riverbanks until ground assessments are complete. Officials have urged the public to rely on official updates rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.
The incident comes as communities in the region remain sensitive to river blockages following the recent glacier collapse in Nepal and the 2023 Teesta flash flood, which caused significant damage.
