Heavy rainfall has triggered Gangtok landslides across several parts of the Sikkim capital, damaging roads, residential structures and public infrastructure. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has begun a detailed assessment of the affected areas.
A multi-agency team inspected several locations on Wednesday and Thursday to identify damage and areas needing urgent action. Officials also reviewed blocked roads, debris flows and unstable slopes as rain continued to affect parts of the district.
Gangtok landslides affect several localities
The latest Gangtok landslides have affected a wide area, including Bojoghari, Lower Bojoghari, Lingding, High Court Road, TNA Gate and VIP Colony. Other affected locations include Upper Z-Bojoghari, Pangthang-Lingdok Road, Pamro Gaon, Ling Perbing and parts of Luing.
The assessment also covers Phenzong, Ranka, Rakdong Tintek, Daragaon, Upper Burtuk, Sichey and Arithang. Several roads have remained blocked by mud and debris, restricting vehicle movement and making travel difficult.
The inspection team included Kabi Tingda MLA Tshering T Bhutia, councillors, DDMA officials, Roads and Bridges Department engineers, the Ranka Block Development Officer and revenue surveyors.
Homes and roads face rain-related damage
The Gangtok landslides have also affected residential properties in some areas. Officials are checking buildings for structural damage and assessing whether unstable slopes pose further risks to nearby homes.
A separate incident at Lingding in Tadong on Thursday partially damaged a house after a landslide struck the area around 12:30 am. Mud and water entered rooms on the first floor, while three major water pipelines were damaged.
Road access near Lingding Jhora was also disrupted for several hours. The affected stretch was later cleared, allowing connectivity to resume.
Meanwhile, continued rain has raised concerns about fresh slope movement in vulnerable locations. Residents living close to unstable slopes have been advised to remain alert for cracks, falling debris and other warning signs.
Public infrastructure also affected
The damage assessment has found impacts beyond roads and homes. The Sewage Treatment Plant at Sichey was affected, while debris accumulated near the Enchey School 33/11 kV Switching Station.
Authorities have flagged the debris near the switching station as a potential hazard. Teams are therefore checking affected sites and identifying work that requires immediate attention.
In addition, tarpaulins have been placed over vulnerable slide zones to reduce rainwater seepage. The measure aims to limit further saturation of exposed slopes while officials continue their inspections.
The current Gangtok landslides have therefore created challenges for both public services and local connectivity.
Authorities begin clearance and verification
The District Collector and DDMA chairman have directed concerned departments to clear debris, restore road connectivity and verify the extent of damage. Officials are also expected to identify affected residents who may require assistance.
Field teams continue to inspect locations as authorities prioritise areas according to the level of damage and risk. The assessment will help determine where road clearance and other response measures are needed first.
However, the continuing rainfall means conditions can change quickly in landslide-prone areas. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable stretches.
Vigilance remains important as rain continues
The Gangtok landslides highlight the risks that prolonged heavy rain can create across Sikkimâs mountainous terrain. Roads, homes, utilities and other infrastructure can remain vulnerable even after an initial slide is cleared.
Authorities have advised residents to exercise particular caution at night and avoid approaching active landslide zones. People near unstable slopes have also been asked to report fresh cracks, ground movement or falling debris immediately.
As damage inspections continue, road clearance and safety checks remain the immediate priorities. Further action will depend on field assessments and changes in weather conditions across the affected areas.
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