SIKKIM: A section of the under-construction Sankalang Bridge in North Sikkim was swept away by the Teesta River on Sunday, following intense and continuous rainfall in the region.The bridge holds critical importance as it serves as the only road link connecting Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachung, and Lachen to the rest of Sikkim. Its damage has severely impacted connectivity to these remote areas.The Teesta River’s water level rose sharply due to the heavy downpour in the region.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mangan district in Sikkim today, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region. An orange alert has also been issued for Gyalshing, Namchi, Soreng, Gangtok, and Pakyong districts for the next 24 hours.
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Meanwhile, rescue operations entered the second day in Mangan district as teams continue to search for nine missing persons after a tourist vehicle carrying 11 people plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta River near Chubombu on May 29.Sonam Detchu Bhutia, superintendent of police, Mangan, confirmed that efforts are ongoing despite challenging weather conditions.SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia said, “The tourists went missing after the incident in which their vehicle fell into the river. Two of them were rescued safely on the night of May 29. The remaining nine, including the driver from Sikkim, ITBP, SDRF, and NDRF, conducted a rescue operation yesterday. But the car that had fallen into the river could not be pulled out as it was stuck in debris. We did not find any bodies near it.”“There was heavy rain last night; there was also a cloudburst in the upper areas. The water level of the Teesta River has increased by 4 meters. The roads are broken at multiple places. The Deputy Commissioner is at the spot. The SDM and SDPO are directed to carry out the search operations non-stop. There are six tourists from Odisha, two from Tripura and two from UP. There were 11 people, including a driver from Sikkim,” he added.Rescue Volunteer from the Tourism Department, Anand Gurung said, “We were on our way for the rescue operation, going on to find the tourists who went missing after their car fell into the river. The roads are blocked for the next 7-8 km. The teams at the spot are carrying out the rescue operations. Our team was on backup, but we won’t be able to reach today. Any vehicle cannot pass from here as of now.”According to the district administration, several properties have been damaged due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in North Sikkim. The worst-affected areas include Theeng and Chungthang, where multiple structures sustained damage.In light of the ongoing weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has strongly advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors whenever possible, and keep a safe distance from riverbanks and vulnerable slopes.
