Guwahati: Multiple landslides brought on by heavy rain closed multiple routes throughout Sikkim, forcing the administration to advise citizens not to drive unless absolutely necessary, officials said on Thursday as reported by PTI.
According to the report, a significant landslide in East Sikkim’s 20 Mile region between Singtam and Rangpo obstructed National Highway 20 and cut off Gangtok.
This was the second time this week that a landslide at the same location in the 20 Mile area closed the main route linking the capital of Sikkim with Siliguri in West Bengal.
Vehicles have become stuck on both sides of the landslide place, and other routes via Pakyong and Pandam have also been closed at various locations due to many landslides.
Authorities in the East Sikkim district warned that cleaning the landslide at 20 Mile may take some time because heavy rains have slowed down clearing efforts and loose debris are still falling over the road.
Since constant rain has loosened rocks and cliffs, leaving them susceptible to landslides, the Roads and Bridges Department has issued a warning encouraging people to avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary.
It stated that numerous roads have been damaged across the state and that the agency is working to quickly restore road connectivity.